89–220 PDF

Calendar No. 277

108TH CONGRESS REPORT

1st Session " ! SENATE 108–146

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND GENERAL

GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2004

SEPTEMBER 8, 2003.—Ordered to be printed

Mr. SHELBY, from the Committee on Appropriations,

submitted the following

REPORT

[To accompany S. 1589]

The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 1589) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and the

Treasury; the Executive Office of the President; and certain independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004,

and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends

that the bill do pass.

Amounts of new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2004

Amount of bill as reported to Senate ...................... $45,276,508,000

Amount of budget estimates, 2004 .......................... 45,507,343,000

Fiscal year 2003 enacted .......................................... 44,782,592,000
(2)

C O N T E N T S

Page

Total Obligational Authority Provided—General Funds and Trust Funds ........ 4

Program, Project, and Activity ............................................................................... 4

TEA21 Authorizations Expiration .......................................................................... 4

Agency Fees for FECA Administration .................................................................. 5

Title I—Department of Transportation:

Office of the Secretary ...................................................................................... 6

Federal Aviation Administration .................................................................... 20

Federal Highway Administration .................................................................... 47

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ............................................... 65

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .......................................... 71

Federal Railroad Administration .................................................................... 83

Federal Transit Administration ...................................................................... 89

St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation ........................................... 107

Maritime Administration ................................................................................. 108

Research and Special Programs Administration ........................................... 110

Office of Inspector General .............................................................................. 115

Surface Transportation Board ......................................................................... 116

Title II—Department of the Treasury:

Departmental Offices ....................................................................................... 117

Financial Crime Enforcement Network .......................................................... 122

Financial Management Service ....................................................................... 122

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau .................................................. 123

United States Mint ........................................................................................... 124

Bureau of Engraving and Printing ................................................................. 124

Bureau of the Public Debt ............................................................................... 124

Internal Revenue Service ................................................................................. 125

Title III—Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the

President:

Compensation of the President and the White House Office ........................ 132

Executive Residence at the White House ....................................................... 133

Special Assistance to the President ................................................................ 133

Offical Residence of the Vice President .......................................................... 134

Council of Economic Advisers .......................................................................... 134

Office of Policy Development ........................................................................... 134

National Security Council ................................................................................ 135

Homeland Security Council ............................................................................. 135

Office of Administration ................................................................................... 135

Office of Management and Budget .................................................................. 136

Office of National Drug Control Policy ........................................................... 137

Funds Appropriated to the President ............................................................. 139

Unanticipated Needs ........................................................................................ 145

Title IV—Independent Agencies:

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board .................... 146

Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled ............................................................................................................... 146

Election Assistance Commission ..................................................................... 147

Federal Election Commission .......................................................................... 147

Federal Labor Relations Authority ................................................................. 148

Federal Maritime Commission ........................................................................ 148

General Services Administration .................................................................... 149

Merit Systems Protection Board ..................................................................... 157

Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental

Policy Foundation ......................................................................................... 158

National Archives and Records Administration ............................................. 159
Page

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Title IV—Independent Agencies—Continued

National Historical Publications and Records Commission .......................... 160

National Transportation Safety Board ........................................................... 160

Office of Government Ethics ............................................................................ 161

Office of Personnel Management ..................................................................... 162

Office of Special Counsel .................................................................................. 165

United States Postal Service ........................................................................... 165

United States Tax Court .................................................................................. 167

White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance ........ 167

Statement Concerning General Provisions ............................................................ 167

Title V—General Provisions This Act .................................................................... 169

Title VI—General Provisions, Departments, Agencies, and Corporations .......... 172

Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of the Senate .......................................................................................................................... 175

Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the

Senate ................................................................................................................... 176

Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the

Senate ................................................................................................................... 177

Budgetary Impact Statement ................................................................................. 178

Comparative Statement .......................................................................................... 179
(4)

TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY PROVIDED—GENERAL

FUNDS AND TRUST FUNDS

The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new budget

(obligational) authority for the Department of Transportation,

Treasury Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies for

the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.

The Committee considered budget estimates for new budget authority for fiscal year 2004 in the aggregate amount of

$45,507,343,000. Compared to that amount, the accompanying bill

recommends new budget authority totaling $45,219,498,000. In addition to new budget authority for fiscal year 2004, large amounts

of contract authority are provided by law, the obligation limits for

which are contained in the annual appropriations bill. The principal items in this category are the trust funded programs for Federal-aid highways, for mass transit, and for airport development

grants. For fiscal year 2004, estimated obligation limitations and

exempt obligations total $44,751,309,000.

PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

During fiscal year 2004, for the purposes of the Balanced Budget

and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–177), as

amended, with respect to appropriations contained in the accompanying bill, the terms ‘‘program, project, and activity’’ shall mean

any item for which a dollar amount is contained in appropriations

acts (including joint resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and

joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. This

definition shall apply to all programs for which new budget

(obligational) authority is provided, as well as to discretionary

grants and discretionary grant allocations made through either bill

or report language. In addition, the percentage reductions made

pursuant to a sequestration order to funds appropriated for facilities and equipment, Federal Aviation Administration, shall be applied equally to each budget item that is listed under said accounts

in the budget justifications submitted to the House and Senate

Committees on Appropriations as modified by subsequent appropriations acts and accompanying committee reports, conference reports, or joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference.

TEA21 AUTHORIZATIONS EXPIRATION

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century [TEA21] provides authorizations for most Federal highway, transit and highway safety programs, and most of those authorizations provide con-
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tract authority. The role of the appropriations process with respect

to contract authority programs generally is to set obligation limitations so that overall Federal spending stays within legislated targets and to appropriate liquidating cash to cover the outlays associated with obligations that have been made.

TEA21 authorized these Federal surface transportation programs

through fiscal year 2003, and the Congress must reauthorize these

programs in order to create new contract authority for fiscal year

2004 and later years. The Congress has begun the process to reauthorize TEA21, but neither the Senate nor the House has passed

reauthorization legislation. Until such legislation is enacted, there

will not be new contract authority to fund such surface transportation programs as the Federal-aid highway program, transit discretionary grants, or highway safety grants, although any unobligated balances from prior years will carry over and be available for

obligation.

In developing the fiscal year 2004 appropriations recommendations for the Federal surface transportation programs authorized

by TEA21, the Committee has generally assumed continuation of

current law.

AGENCY FEES FOR FECA ADMINISTRATION

The President’s budget included a legislative proposal under the

jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor,

and Pensions to charge individual agencies, starting in fiscal year

2003, the administrative cost of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act [FECA] program. Currently Federal agencies are budgeted

for and billed each year for monetary and medical benefits that

have been paid to their employees under FECA, while the program’s discretionary administrative costs are financed in the Department of Labor [DOL].

The authorizing committee has not acted on this legislation;

therefore, the Senate Appropriations Committee will continue to

fund this administrative cost through the Department of Labor,

Employment Standards Administration Salaries and Expenses Account.
(6)

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $88,865,594

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 108,931,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 91,276,000

1 Reflects reduction of $581,406 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $508,594 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

Section 3 of the Department of Transportation Act of October 15,

1966 (Public Law 89–670) provides for establishment of the Office

of the Secretary of Transportation [OST]. The Office of the Secretary is composed of the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary immediate offices, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of

Under Secretary for Transportation Policy, and four assistant secretarial offices for aviation and international affairs, budget and

programs, governmental affairs, and administration. These secretarial offices have policy development and central supervisory and

coordinating functions related to the overall planning and direction

of the Department of Transportation, including staff assistance and

general management supervision of the counterpart offices in the

operating administrations of the Department. The Committee recommends a total of $91,276,000 for the Office

of the Secretary of Transportation including $60,000 for reception

and representation expenses. The budget request proposes a consolidated appropriation for the various offices comprising the Office

of the Secretary. The Committee does not approve the request and

has continued to provide appropriations for each office.

Furthermore the Committee recommendation does not reflect a

consolidated budget activity for the Immediate Office of the Secretary, the Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary, and the Executive Secretariat, as requested.

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendation in comparison to the budget estimate:

[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Immediate Office of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary ......................... ........................ 5,149 ........................

Immediate Office of the Secretary ............................................................ 2,197 ........................ 2,500

Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary ................................................ 804 ........................ 706

Office of the Executive Secretariat ............................................................ 1,382 ........................ 1,458

Board of Contract Appeals ........................................................................ 607 730 700

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization ......................... 1,296 1,268 1,268

Office of Intelligence and Security ............................................................ ........................ 2,225 1,792

Office of the Chief Information Officer ..................................................... 13,101 23,369 13,327

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs ..................... 2,437 2,518 2,477

Office of the General Counsel ................................................................... 15,555 15,992 15,403

Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation Policy ........................... 12,371 12,717 12,312
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[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs .................... 8,321 8,630 8,536

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration ................................ 28,882 34,351 28,882

Assistant to the Secretary and Director of Public Affairs ........................ 1,913 1,982 1,915

Transfer of functions to Department of Homeland Security ..................... 1,292 ........................ ........................

Total .............................................................................................. 88,866 108,931 91,276

1 Reflects reductions of $581,406 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7; and $508,594 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–

7.

IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

The Secretary of Transportation provides leadership and has the

primary responsibility to provide overall planning, direction, and

control of the Department. The Committee recommends $2,500,000

for fiscal year 2004 for the Immediate Office of the Secretary, an

increase of $303,000 above the fiscal year 2003 enacted level.

IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY

The Committee has recommended a total of $706,000 for the Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary which has the primary responsibility of assisting the Secretary in the overall planning and

direction of the Department.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

The Office of the General Counsel provides legal services to the

Office of the Secretary including the conduct of aviation regulatory

proceedings and aviation consumer activities and coordinates and

reviews the legal work in the chief counsels’ offices of the operating

administrations. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer of

the Department of Transportation and the final authority within

the Department on all legal questions.

The Committee recommends $15,403,000 for expenses of the Office of the General Counsel for fiscal year 2004. The Committee is

aware of the current and persistent number of vacancies in the office and is confident that the level of resources provided will be sufficient. The Committee recommendation includes $3,641,000 for the

Department’s ‘‘Accessibility for all America’’ initiative, which represents an increase of $208,000 from the fiscal year 2003 enacted

level and is $250,000 less than the budget request. The Committee

defers funds that exceed those necessary to annualize the costs to

operate and maintain the hotline.

Aviation Stabilization Act Administration.—The Committee is

concerned with the report of the Department relating to air carrier

claims and unprocessed applications for claims and amounts that

was required by the Fiscal Year 2003 Transportation Appropriations Act. The report states that the Department is engaged in a

continuing review of some, but not all, claims by all-cargo carriers,

citing factors common to those carriers. It is the Committee’s expectation that the Department would administer funds made available by the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act

to pay compensation under Title I of that Act without discrimination among directly competitive air carriers and to ensure that
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competitive air carriers receive comparable percentages of the maximum amount of compensation payable under section 103(b)(2) of

that Act. The conference report to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization legislation directs the Comptroller General to

review the criteria and procedures used by the Secretary to compensate air carriers under the Act. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary to defer any final determination on disputed

claims until the Comptroller General’s review is completed, and

thereafter refer any remaining disputed claims to an Administrative Law Judge for resolution, consistent with the procedures of the

Debt Collection Act. As a separate matter, the report also notes

that the Department is a respondent in a proceeding for judicial review of the regulations implementing the Act, on both substantive

and procedural grounds. The Committee also directs the Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the outcome of that proceeding, including its potential effects on the funds and balances still available under the Act.

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION FOR POLICY

The position of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy

in the Department was established by section 215 of the Maritime

Transportation Security Act of 2002 and consolidated the Offices of

Policy, Aviation and International Affairs, and Intermodalism. The

Under Secretary for Policy is the chief policy officer of the Department and is responsible to the Secretary for the analysis, development, and review of policies and plans for domestic and international transportation. The Office administers the economic regulatory functions regarding the airline industry and is responsible

for international aviation programs, the essential air service program, airline fitness licensing, acquisitions, international route

awards, computerized reservation systems, and special investigations such as airline delays.

For fiscal year 2004, the Committee recommendation includes

$12,312,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Policy.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR BUDGET AND PROGRAMS

The Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs is the principal staff advisor to the Secretary on the development, review,

presentation, and execution of the Department’s budget resource

requirements, and on the evaluation and oversight of the Department’s programs. The primary responsibilities of this office are to

ensure the effective preparation and presentation of sound and adequate budget estimates for the Department, to ensure the consistency of the Department’s budget execution with the action and advice of the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget, to

evaluate the program proposals for consistency with the Secretary’s

stated objectives, and to advise the Secretary of program and legislative changes necessary to improve program effectiveness.

The Committee recommends a total of $8,586,000 for the Office

of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. The amount

provided is $265,000 more than the comparable fiscal year 2003 appropriated level. The Committee recommendation includes $60,000

for reception and representation expenses for the Secretary.
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The Committee directs the Office of the Secretary to report at the

beginning of each fiscal quarter on the status of all outstanding reports and reporting requirements, including how delinquent congressionally mandated or requested reports are and an estimated

date for delivery. The Committee expects that the Department will

constitute this responsibility in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

The Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs advises the

Secretary on all congressional and intergovernmental activities and

on all departmental legislative initiatives and other relationships

with Members of Congress. The Assistant Secretary promotes effective communication with other Federal agencies and regional Department officials, and with State and local governments and national organizations for development of departmental programs;

and ensures that consumer preferences, awareness, and needs are

brought into the decision-making process.

The Committee recommends $2,477,000 for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs. The amount provided is

slightly more than the comparable fiscal year 2003 enacted level.

The Committee has carried a provision requiring the 3-day notification for certain discretionary awards. The Committee directs the

Assistant Secretary to submit to the House and Senate Committees

on Appropriations options for providing grant notification to the

Committees in an electronic format.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION

The Assistant Secretary for Administration is responsible for establishing policies and procedures, setting guidelines, working with

the Operating Administrations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department in human resource management, security and administrative management, real and personal property

management, and acquisition and grants management.

The Committee is concerned about the growth in the level of

funding assumed in the budget request. If the budget request were

approved, expenses and programs in the office would have roughly

doubled in 2 years even though its responsibilities have diminished

due to the transfer of two large operating agencies—the United

States Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration—

to the new Department of Homeland Security.

The Committee recommends $28,882,000 for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, which is the same as fiscal

year 2003 enacted level. The Committee is aware that the staffing

level is far below the budget request estimated number of employees and believes that the recommended level provides sufficient

funding for pursuing the Department’s priority programs and policy initiatives.

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Director of Public Affairs is the principal advisor to the Secretary and other senior Departmental officials and news media on

public affairs questions. The Office issues news releases, articles,
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fact sheets, briefing materials, publications, and audiovisual materials. It also provides information to the Secretary on opinions and

reactions of the public and news media on transportation programs

and issues. It arranges news conferences and provides speeches,

talking points, and byline articles for the Secretary and other senior departmental officials, and arranges the Secretary’s scheduling.

The Committee recommends $1,915,000 for the Office of Public Affairs.

EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

The Executive Secretariat assists the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in carrying out their management functions and responsibilities by controlling and coordinating internal and external written

materials.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,458,000 for

the expenses of the Executive Secretariat. The amount provided is

$76,000 more than the comparable fiscal year 2003 enacted level

and the same level assumed in the budget request.

BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS

The primary responsibility of the Board of Contract Appeals is to

provide an independent forum for the trial and adjudication of all

claims by, or against, a contractor relating to a contract of any element of the Department, as mandated by the Contract Disputes

Act of 1978, 41 U.S.C. 601.

The Committee has provided $730,000 for the Board of Contract

Appeals Board. The amount provided is the same as the amount

requested.

OFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization has

primary responsibility for providing policy direction for small and

disadvantaged business participation in the Department’s procurement and grant programs, and effective execution of the functions

and duties under sections 8 and 15 of the Small Business Act, as

amended. The Committee recommends $1,268,000, the full amount

requested.

OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY

With the transfer of the Transportation Security Administration

to the new Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Intelligence and Security has been reconstituted in the Office of the Secretary to keep the Secretary and his advisors informed on intelligence and security issues pertaining to transportation.

The Committee recommends $1,792,000 for the Office of Intelligence and Security for fiscal year 2004. The budget request assumes an ambitious staffing level for the office. The Committee recommendation does not reflect those staffing levels and has reduced

funding for personnel compensation and benefits accordingly. In

addition, the Committee has not provided funds to annualize the

new FTE because that position is vacant. The Committee recommendation, however, is adequate to allow for the hire of additional personnel beyond the current staffing level.
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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

The Office of the Chief Information Officer serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary on matters involving information resources and information systems management.

The budget request assumes a funding level that is almost 80

percent more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,327,000. The Committee is disinclined to provide funding for programmatic increases

of this magnitude due to the high level of generality and vagueness

presented in the budget justification and is concerned that adequate measures are not in place to assure effective planning and

coordination throughout the Department. It is unclear to the Committee, for example, how the CIO’s initiative to develop an electronic grants office are related to the request of the Federal Transit

Administration for funding to improve that agency’s electronic

grant system. The Committee directs the Office of Inspector General to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a report on plans and progress made by the DOT to improve

information technology security, E-government services, and information technology investment management. The Committee also

directs that the Inspector General evaluate the effectiveness of the

office of the CIO to coordinate these actions with respective officials

from the operating agencies that have acquired and operate the

majority of the Department’s information technology systems.

OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $8,643,450

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 8,569,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 8,569,000

1 Reflects reduction of $56,550 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $129,450 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of Civil Rights is responsible for advising the Secretary on civil rights and equal employment opportunity matters,

formulating civil rights policies and procedures for the operating

administrations, investigating claims that small businesses were

denied certification or improperly certified as disadvantaged business enterprises, and overseeing the Department’s conduct of its

civil rights responsibilities and making final determinations on

civil rights complaints. In addition, the Civil Rights Office is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations which prohibit discrimination in federally operated and federally assisted transportation programs. The Committee has provided a funding level of

$8,569,000 for the Office of Civil Rights, the full amount requested.

NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. ...........................

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... $45,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ...........................

The administration requested $45,000,000 for the new Department of Transportation headquarters project to consolidate all of

the department’s headquarters operating administration functions

(except FAA), from various locations into leased buildings within

the central employment area of the District of Columbia.
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The Committee believes that it is premature to provide funding

for this project. The Department is still in a state of flux due to

the transition of certain operating agencies to the new Department

of Homeland Security and the overwhelming majority of its remaining programs and agencies by size and resources are currently undergoing reauthorization. Given the sweeping changes proposed in

many of the administration’s proposals for those reauthorizations,

the nature and the scope of the Department’s grant making and

oversight, administrative, and regulatory functions could change

substantially. In addition, given current budgetary constraints, it

would be imprudent to commit this level of resources to a new

building for the Department as it is undergoing significant transition.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $20,863,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 10,836,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 15,836,000

1 Reflects reduction of $136,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $400,500 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of the Secretary performs those research activities and

studies which can more effectively or appropriately be conducted at

the departmental level. This research effort supports the planning,

research and development activities needed to assist the Secretary

in the formulation of national transportation policies. The program

is carried out primarily through contracts with other Federal agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and

private firms. The Committee recommends $15,836,000 for transportation planning, research, and development, $5,027,500 more

than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level and $5,000,000 more than

the President’s budget request. The recommendation assumes no

more than $2,250,000 for aviation and international policy studies.

The Committee directs funding to be allocated to the following

projects that are listed below:

Project name Amount

Center for Integrated Transportation & Traffic Systems, AZ ............................................................................ $750,000

Center for Spatial Technologies, MS ................................................................................................................. 750,000

Circumpolar Infrastructure Task Force of the Arctic Council and Northern Forum, AK ................................... 1,000,000

Integrated data query sharing system for Maritime Domain Awareness, WA .................................................. 1,250,000

Regional Interstate Commerce and Transportation Policy Harmonization Project, SD ..................................... 250,000

UA Transportation Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Research Program, AL ............................................. 1,250,000

WestStart Vehicular Flywheel Project—Pacific Northwest, WA ......................................................................... 1,000,000

Worcester Polytechnic University Center for Human Impact Protection Systems, MA ...................................... 500,000

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Limitation, 2003 1 2 ................................................................................ ($130,991,421)

Budget estimate, 2004 3 ......................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. (116,715,000)

1 Reflects reduction of $774,579 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $12,600,000 pursuant to section 342 of Public Law 108–7.

3Proposed without limitations.

In fiscal year 1997 the Working Capital Fund was renamed the

Transportation Administrative Service Center [TASC] to reflect the

expanded level of services and the new TASC organization. In fiscal
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year 2003 the functions of TASC were realigned to place service

providers in the same organization as the office responsible for

service policies. The Department claimed that the realignment

would promote greater program efficiency, make the best use of

employee expertise, allow the Department to identify and eliminate

redundancies and reduce organizational layers, and provide the

best possible value to the Government by consolidating and delivering services more efficiently. During fiscal year 2003 the TASC

account was renamed to the previously titled Working Capital

Fund.

The Working Capital Fund finances common administrative services that are centrally performed in the interest of economy and efficiency of the Department. The fund is financed through negotiated agreements with the Department of Transportation operating administrations and other customers, which are billed on a

fee-for-service basis to the maximum extent possible.

The budget request proposes to remove the obligation limitation

on the Working Capital Fund on services to the operating administrations of the Department. The Committee believes that the discipline of an annual limitation is necessary to keep assessments

and services of the Working Capital Fund in line with costs. The

accompanying bill provides a limitation of $116,715,000 on activities financed through the Working Capital Fund. As in past years,

the limitation shall apply only to the Department and not to other

entities. The Committee directs that services shall be provided on

a competitive basis to the maximum extent possible.

MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $894,150

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 900,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 900,000

1 Reflects reduction of $5,850 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

[OSDBU]/Minority Business Resource Center [MBRC].—The

OSDBU/MBRC provides assistance in obtaining short-term working capital for disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses [DBE/MBE/WBE’s]. In fiscal year 2001, the short-term lending program was converted from a direct loan program to a guaranteed loan program. In fiscal year 2004, the program will continue

to focus on providing working capital to DBE/MBE/WBE’s for

transportation-related projects in order to strengthen their competitive and productive capabilities.

Since fiscal year 1993, the short-term lending program has been

a separate line item appropriation, which segregated such activities

in response to changes made by the Federal Credit Reform Act of

1990. The limitation on guaranteed loans under the Minority Business Resource Center is at the administration’s requested level of

$18,367,000.

Of the funds appropriated, $500,000 covers subsidy costs and

$400,000 is for administrative expenses to carry out the Guaranteed Loan Program.
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MINORITY BUSINESS OUTREACH

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $2,980,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $19,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $31,456 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

This appropriation provides contractual support to assist small,

women-owned, Native American, and other disadvantaged business

firms in securing contracts and subcontracts arising out of projects

that involve Federal spending. It also provides support to historically black and Hispanic colleges. Separate funding is requested by

the administration since this program provides grants and contract

assistance that serves DOT-wide goals and not just OST purposes.

PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations 2 Mandatory 3 Total

Appropriations, 2003 1 ............................................................................... $15,761,000 $50,000,000 $101,761,000

Budget estimate, 2004 .............................................................................. ........................ 50,000,000 50,000,000

Committee recommendation ...................................................................... 52,000,000 50,000,000 102,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $338,650 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Payments to Air Carriers (Airport and Airway Trust Fund).

3 From overflight fees.

The Essential Air Service [EAS] and Rural Airport Improvement

Program provides funds directly to commuter/regional airlines to

provide air service to small communities that otherwise would not

receive air service and for rural airport improvement as provided

by the 1996 Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act.

The Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 authorizes

user fees for flights that fly over, but do not land in, the United

States. The first $50,000,000 of each year’s fees were to go directly

to carry out the Essential Air Service Program and, to the extent

not used for essential air service, to improve rural airport safety.

If $50,000,000 in fees is not available, then the funds must be

made available from appropriations otherwise made available to

the FAA Administrator.

For fiscal year 2004, the administration has proposed a

$50,000,000 EAS program to be fully funded from aviation overflight fees. The administration is also proposing major revisions to

the program that would repeal the statutory entitlement that certain communities have to receiving at least a minimum level of

scheduled air service. Specifically, the Department has proposed to

eliminate minimum service requirements for eligible communities

and the provision would allow service to consist, among other

things, of ground transportation, single-engine, single-pilot operations, air taxi, charter service, or regionalized service. In addition,

all communities would be required to contribute either 10 or 25

percent of the total subsidy required: communities farther than 210

driving miles from the nearest large or medium hub would have to

contribute 10 percent while communities within 210 miles would

pay 25 percent. Communities would be ranked in order of isolation,

with the most isolated having the highest priority if there are not

sufficient funds for all communities.
15

The Committee recommendation provides a total of $102,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, which is $52,000,000 more than the budget request. These funds, along with available carryover balances in the

program from previous appropriations, are sufficient to continue

subsidies for all current points receiving the service. The Committee has not included the requested general provision to restructure the EAS program. Although concerned about increases in program costs, the Committee notes that the aviation reauthorization

legislation, which is awaiting conference committee deliberations,

passed both bodies of the Congress without any reform to the EAS

program.

The following table reflects the points currently receiving service

and the annual rates as of February 1, 2003 in the continental

United States and Hawaii.
16

SUBSIDIZED EAS COMMUNITIES AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2003

States/Communities

Estimated

milease to

nearest hub

(S,M, or L)

Average daily

enplanements

at EAS point

(YE 6/30/02)

Annual subsidy

rates at

Feb 1, 2003

Subsidy

per

passenger

Total

passengers

(YE 6/30/02)

ALABAMA: Muscle Shoals ................................................................................................................................. 69 19.3 $1,284,408 $106.32 12,081ARIZONA:

Kingman .................................................................................................................................................. 101 4.9 541,502 177.89 3,044Page ......................................................................................................................................................... 280 11.1 1,251,977 180.61 6,932Prescott .................................................................................................................................................... 102 12.4 541,502 69.79 7,759Show Low ................................................................................................................................................. 168 ( 1 ) 538,432 ( 1 ) ( 1 )

ARKANSAS:

El Dorado/Camden ................................................................................................................................... 108 4.2 828,438 315.00 2,630Harrison ................................................................................................................................................... 88 9.3 989,018 169.44 5,837Hot Springs .............................................................................................................................................. 53 7.7 989,018 206.09 4,799Jonesboro ................................................................................................................................................. 79 6.9 828,438 192.57 4,302

CALIFORNIA:

Crescent City ........................................................................................................................................... 362 33.8 333,717 15.78 21,143Merced ..................................................................................................................................................... 114 16.3 844,479 82.91 10,186

COLORADO:

Alamosa ................................................................................................................................................... 162 12.2 925,045 121.00 7,645Cortez ....................................................................................................................................................... 258 22.3 403,311 28.91 13,950Pueblo ...................................................................................................................................................... 43 6.4 527,185 131.50 4,009

HAWAII:

Hana ........................................................................................................................................................ 32 17.5 1,048,555 95.90 10,934Kamuela ................................................................................................................................................... 39 8.5 781,270 146.50 5,333Kalaupapa ............................................................................................................................................... .............................. 7.4 514,093 111.69 4,603

ILLINOIS:

Decatur .................................................................................................................................................... 120 27.9 917,077 52.44 17,487Marion/Herrin ........................................................................................................................................... 122 36.3 794,031 34.97 22,704

IOWA:

Burlington ................................................................................................................................................ 163 29 929,085 51.23 18,136Fort Dodge ............................................................................................................................................... 94 26.5 1,088,354 65.54 16,605Mason City ............................................................................................................................................... 128 45.3 1,088,354 38.42 28,329

KANSAS:

Dodge City ............................................................................................................................................... 149 9.7 1,159,886 190.71 6,082Garden City .............................................................................................................................................. 201 23.1 1,159,886 80.07 14,485Great Bend .............................................................................................................................................. 120 2.9 298,799 163.01 1,833Hays ......................................................................................................................................................... 180 19.1 1,330,824 111.32 11,955
17

Salina ...................................................................................................................................................... 93 12.6 ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 7,872Liberal/Guymon ........................................................................................................................................ 141 7.8 824,776 169.36 4,870Topeka ..................................................................................................................................................... 71 3.7 621,872 266.21 2,336

KENTUCKY: Owensboro ..................................................................................................................................... 105 25.1 888,863 56.65 15,690MAINE:

Augusta/Waterville ................................................................................................................................... 68 11.5 1,205,855 167.53 7,198Bar Harbor ............................................................................................................................................... 157 36.4 1,205,855 52.98 22,762Presque Isle ............................................................................................................................................. 276 53.8 1,480,512 43.95 33,688Rockland .................................................................................................................................................. 80 20.3 1,205,855 94.99 12,695

MICHIGAN:

Ironwood/Ashland .................................................................................................................................... 218 5.7 479,879 135.18 3,550Iron Mountain/Kingsford .......................................................................................................................... 101 24 674,328 44.81 15,050Manistee .................................................................................................................................................. 115 3.8 485,545 205.83 2,359

MINNESOTA: Thief River Falls, MN ................................................................................................................... 302 14.3 707,017 79.22 8,925MISSISSIPPI: Laurel/Hattiesburg, MS ............................................................................................................... 85 30.6 1,056,991 55.26 19,128MISSOURI:

Cape Girardeau ....................................................................................................................................... 123 25.6 430,925 26.93 16,002Fort Leonard Wood ................................................................................................................................... 130 27.5 573,725 33.37 17,192Kirksville .................................................................................................................................................. 137 7.3 732,363 161.28 4,541

MONTANA:

Glasgow ................................................................................................................................................... 763 6.3 816,651 207.01 3,945Glendive ................................................................................................................................................... 624 3.1 816,651 426.67 1,914Havre ....................................................................................................................................................... 674 3 816,651 428.24 1,907Lewistown ................................................................................................................................................ 558 2.3 816,651 566.73 1,441Miles City ................................................................................................................................................. 529 3.2 816,651 403.09 2,026Sidney ...................................................................................................................................................... 653 6.7 816,651 194.63 4,196Wolf Point ................................................................................................................................................ 698 4.8 816,651 270.59 3,018

NEBRASKA:

Alliance .................................................................................................................................................... 256 2.1 542,413 415.01 1,307Chadron ................................................................................................................................................... 311 3.3 542,413 260.90 2,079Kearney .................................................................................................................................................... 181 18.4 839,487 73.01 11,498McCook .................................................................................................................................................... 271 5.5 1,325,289 382.04 3,469Norfolk ..................................................................................................................................................... 109 3.5 751,373 342.16 2,196North Platte ............................................................................................................................................. 277 17.5 751,373 68.69 10,939

NEVADA: Ely ...................................................................................................................................................... 237 ( 1 ) 976,533 ( 1 ) ( 1 )NEW MEXICO:

Alamogordo/Holloman .............................................................................................................................. 91 4.3 849,235 316.52 2,683Carlsbad .................................................................................................................................................. 139 12.5 ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 7,836Hobbs ....................................................................................................................................................... 88 5.7 ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 3,556Clovis ....................................................................................................................................................... 103 7.3 1,118,197 246.14 4,543
18

SUBSIDIZED EAS COMMUNITIES AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2003—Continued

States/Communities

Estimated

milease to

nearest hub

(S,M, or L)

Average daily

enplanements

at EAS point

(YE 6/30/02)

Annual subsidy

rates at

Feb 1, 2003

Subsidy

per

passenger

Total

passengers

(YE 6/30/02)

Silver City/Hurley/Deming ........................................................................................................................ 133 6.4 935,667 235.09 3,980

NEW YORK:

Massena .................................................................................................................................................. 118 8 635,144 126.65 5,015Ogdensburg ............................................................................................................................................. 123 6.3 635,144 161.74 3,927Saranac Lake ........................................................................................................................................... 63 7.8 631,353 129.93 4,859Watertown ................................................................................................................................................ 65 8.6 635,144 118.39 5,365

NORTH DAKOTA:

Devils Lake .............................................................................................................................................. 405 7.4 793,867 171.35 4,633Dickinson ................................................................................................................................................. 528 9.8 1,540,089 251.73 6,118Jamestown ............................................................................................................................................... 332 7.5 793,867 168.33 4,716

OKLAHOMA:

Enid ......................................................................................................................................................... 84 10.4 977,302 150.70 6,485Ponca City ............................................................................................................................................... 81 9.9 977,302 158.06 6,183

PENNSYLVANIA:

Altoona ..................................................................................................................................................... 108 35.8 546,159 24.37 22,408Johnstown ................................................................................................................................................ 82 55.6 301,417 8.66 34,825Oil City/Franklin ....................................................................................................................................... 86 13 510,261 62.46 8,169

PUERTO RICO: Ponce ........................................................................................................................................ 77 13.2 337,551 40.84 8,265SOUTH DAKOTA:

Brookings ................................................................................................................................................. 206 2.7 849,386 494.69 1,717Huron ....................................................................................................................................................... 279 4 394,585 157.64 2,503Pierre ....................................................................................................................................................... 397 18.9 318,861 26.93 11,839Watertown ................................................................................................................................................ 207 19.1 1,871,825 156.27 11,978

TENNESSEE: Jackson ........................................................................................................................................ 85 25.3 1,077,812 67.95 15,862TEXAS: Brownwood ........................................................................................................................................... 147 6.2 964,677 247.35 3,900UTAH:

Cedar City ................................................................................................................................................ 178 28.9 836,102 46.22 18,089Moab ........................................................................................................................................................ 240 4 971,444 384.58 2,526Vernal ...................................................................................................................................................... 174 5.8 1,102,967 304.94 3,617

VERMONT: Rutland ........................................................................................................................................... 69 7.3 1,205,855 263.17 4,582VIRGINIA: Staunton ........................................................................................................................................... 113 34.9 514,211 23.52 21,862WASHINGTON: Ephrata/Moses Lake .................................................................................................................. 108 17.3 1,132,911 104.78 10,812WEST VIRGINIA:

Beckley ..................................................................................................................................................... 181 8.1 1,033,847 202.75 5,099
19

Princeton/Bluefield .................................................................................................................................. 145 6 1,033,847 273.72 3,777

WISCONSIN: Oshkosh ........................................................................................................................................ 49 6.6 1,034,085 248.46 4,162WYOMING:

Laramie .................................................................................................................................................... 144 27.4 297,633 17.35 17,151Rock Springs ........................................................................................................................................... 184 25.7 465,023 28.86 16,115Worland .................................................................................................................................................... 398 7 353,345 80.58 4,385

1 Service hiatus.2 Rate under negotiation.
20

GENERAL PROVISIONS—OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

Limitation on Political and Presidential Appointees.—The Committee recommendation includes a provision (sec. 504) similar to

those carried in previous Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, which limits the number of political and Presidential appointees within the Department of Transportation. The recommended ceiling for fiscal year 2004 is 106 personnel. Further, the bill specifies that no political or Presidential

appointee may be detailed outside the Department of Transportation or any other agency funded in this bill.

Discretionary Grants.—The Committee continues to be concerned

by the Department’s oversight and review of the modal administrations discretionary grants, letters of intent, or full funding grant

agreements. The Department is directed to comply with the letter,

the spirit, and the intent of the 3-day notification language included in the bill (sec. 512) which has been carried in previous Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations

Acts with respect to all discretionary grants totaling $1,000,000 or

more of the Federal Highway Administration (excluding the emergency relief program), any program of the Federal Transit Administration (excluding the formula grants and fixed guideway modernization programs), and the airport improvement program of the

Federal Aviation Administration. Further, no notification or announcement should involve funds that are not available for obligation.

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

The Federal Aviation Administration traces its origins to the Air

Commerce Act of 1926, but more recently to the Federal Aviation

Act of 1958 which established the independent Federal Aviation

Agency from functions which had resided in the Airways Modernization Board, the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and parts

of the Civil Aeronautics Board. FAA became an administration of

the Department of Transportation on April 1, 1967, pursuant to the

Department of Transportation Act (October 15, 1966).

The total recommended program level for the FAA for fiscal year

2004 amounts to $13,970,587,000, which is $457,009,000 more than

the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The following table summarizes

the Committee’s recommendations:

[In thousands of dollars]

Program Fiscal year

2003 enacted 1

Fiscal year

2004 budget

estimate

Committee recommendation

Operations ........................................................................................................ 7,026,548 7,590,648 7,535,648

General fund appropriation 2 .................................................................. 3,251,965 1,590,648 1,535,648

Trust fund appropriation ........................................................................ 3,774,583 6,000,000 6,000,000

Facilities and equipment 3 ............................................................................... 2,961,645 2,916,000 2,916,000

Research, engineering and development ........................................................ 147,485 100,000 118,939
21

[In thousands of dollars]

Program Fiscal year

2003 enacted 1

Fiscal year

2004 budget

estimate

Committee recommendation

Grants-in-Aid for airports ................................................................................ 3,377,900 3,400,000 3,400,000

Total available budget resources ....................................................... 13,513,578 14,006,648 13,970,587

1 Reflects reduction of $88,412,942 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $3,900,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7; includes $3,477,250 for Midway Island Airfield per

General Provisions, section 371, less its share of the reduction in footnote 1. 3 Does not reflect fiscal year 2003 rescission of $20,000,000 of unobligated balances.

OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $7,026,547,626

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 7,590,648,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 7,535,648,000

1Does not reflect reduction of $3,900,000 pursuant to section 362, Public Law 108–7. Reflects

reduction of $45,971,374 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7. 2 Includes $3,477,250 for Midway Island Airfield per General Provisions, section 371, Public

Law 108–7.

FAA’s Operations appropriation provides funds for the operation,

maintenance, communications, and logistic support of the air traffic

control and navigation systems and activities. It also covers the administration and management of the regulatory, commercial space,

medical, engineering, and development programs. The bill includes $6,000,000,000 for the operations activities of

the Federal Aviation Administration from the airport and airway

trust fund. The balance of the operations appropriation will come

from the general fund.

As in past years, FAA is directed to report immediately to the

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in the event resources are insufficient to operate a safe and effective air traffic

control system.

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendation in comparison to the budget estimate:

[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year— Committee recommendations 2003 enacted 1 2004 budget

estimate

Air Traffic Services ............................................................................ 5,668,196 6,096,800 6,047,300

Regulation and Certification ............................................................. 829,932 873,374 873,374

Research and Acquisitions ................................................................ 205,079 218,481 218,481

Commercial Space Transportation ..................................................... 12,196 12,601 12,601

Regions and Center Coordination ...................................................... 78,714 84,749 84,749

Human Resources .............................................................................. 68,686 82,029 77,029

Financial Services .............................................................................. 48,410 49,783 49,783

Staff Offices ....................................................................................... 82,418 143,150 142,650

Information Services/CIO ................................................................... 29,439 29,681 29,681

Midway Island Airfield ....................................................................... 3,477 ............................ ..........................

TOTAL OPS ............................................................................ 7,026,548 7,590,648 7,535,648

1 Reflects reduction of $45,971,374 pursuant to section 601, but does not reflect reduction of $3,900,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public

Law 108–7. Includes $3,477,250 for Midway Island Airfield per General Provision, section 371, Public Law 108–7.

Air Traffic Services.—The Committee recommends

$6,047,300,000 for the operation and maintenance of the national

air traffic control and flight service system. The recommended level

is $379,104,000 more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The

Committee is confident that although constrained, the rec-
22

ommended funding level is sufficient to continue safe and efficient

management of the National Airspace System [NAS]. The recommendation gives the Administrator great flexibility to manage

the reduction below the budget request, and the Committee notes

that the changes to the budget request can be accommodated by

adjusting controller staffing levels consistent with the FAA staffing

standard, by controlling overtime staffing hours, and by reducing

NAS handoff costs.

Contract Tower Program.—The Committee continues to support

the contract tower program and the cost-sharing program as a costeffective way to enhance air traffic safety at smaller airports. The

Committee’s recommendation includes $82,500,000 to fund the existing contract tower program, the remaining eligible non-Federal

towers not currently operated by the FAA, and other non-towered

airports eligible for the program. Of the funds provided for the contract tower program, $500,000 is to deploy computer-based interactive training systems for controllers at FAA contract towers. In

designing the system, the FAA should utilize existing interactive

computer-based training and testing systems in use at airports. In

addition to these resources, the Committee has provided $6,500,000

for the contract tower cost-sharing program.

Walla Walla Regional Airport Control Tower.—The Committee

has recently learned about potential changes to the local cost share

requirements of the Walla Walla Regional Airport Control Tower.

Recognizing the important safety role that the control tower plays

for the area’s flying public, the Committee encourages the FAA to

work with the Walla Walla Regional Airport to ensure that the control tower remains an air traffic service available to the community.

Medallion Program.—The Committee recommends $4,000,000 to

continue the Medallion Program, a key safety initiative that has

been embraced in the FAA’s future strategic plan. The Committee

recommendation is $2,500,000 more than the fiscal year 2003 level

to allow for additional participation in the program.

Alien Species Action Plan [ASAP].—The Committee provides

$3,000,000 out of available funds to continue the implementation

of the Alien Species Action Plan which was adopted by the FAA as

part of its August 26, 1998, Record of Decision approving certain

improvements at Kahului Airport on the Island of Maui. These

funds will be used to complete capital projects that were started in

fiscal year 2002 and continue the operational requirements imposed by the ASAP.

Air Operations.—The Committee directs the FAA to take into account Naknek River landings in its decision on air traffic services

at King Salmon Airport.

National Airspace Redesign.—Of the funds provided, $6,500,000

shall be for the NY/NJ Airspace Redesign effort and shall not be

reprogrammed by the FAA for other activities, including airspace

redesign activities outside the NY/NJ metro area. As the FAA

moves forward with its redesign program in the New York/New

Jersey and Philadelphia area, the Committee encourages the FAA,

where appropriate, to consider air noise impacts as part of the redesign effort.
23

Non-Precision GPS Approaches.—The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 to continue work associated with increasing the number of non-precision GPS instrument approaches developed and published for airports that are not Part 139 certificated.

Human Resources.—The Committee recommends $77,029,000 for

Human Resources, an increase of $8,343,000 above the fiscal year

2003 enacted level. The recommendation denies the budget request

for five staff positions that were eliminated during fiscal year 2003

and reduces discretionary increases without prejudice.

Staff Offices.—The Committee recommends a reduction of

$500,000 to reflect that the current staffing levels in several offices

are below the estimate included in the budget request. The Committee is confident that this reduction will not impact current services.

BILL LANGUAGE

Second Career Training Program.—The Committee has included

bill language which was included in the President’s budget request

which prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the second career

training program. This prohibition has been carried in annual appropriations Acts for a number of years.

Sunday Premium Pay.—The bill retains a provision, first included in the fiscal year 1995 appropriations Act, which prohibits

FAA from paying Sunday premium pay, except in those cases

where the individual actually worked on a Sunday. This provision

is identical to that which was in effect for fiscal years 1995–2002.

It was requested by the administration for fiscal year 2004.

Manned Auxiliary Flight Service Stations.—The Committee has

retained bill language that was requested by the administration to

prohibit the use of funds for operating a manned auxiliary flight

service station in the contiguous United States. There is no funding

provided in the Operations account for such stations in fiscal year

2004.

Aeronautical Charting and Cartography.—The bill prohibits

funds in this Act from being used to conduct aeronautical charting

and cartography [AC&C] activities through the working capital

fund [WCF]. Public Law 106–181 authorized the transfer of these

activities from the Department of Commerce to the FAA.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $2,961,645,357

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 2,916,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,916,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $19,376,643 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7. Does not re- flect rescission of $20,000,000 of unobligated balances pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

Under the Facilities and Equipment appropriation, safety, capacity and efficiency of the Federal airway system are improved by the

procurement and installation of new equipment and the construction and modernization of facilities to keep pace with aeronautical

activity and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s comprehensive capital investment plan [CIP], formerly called

the national airspace system [NAS] plan.
24

The Federal Aviation Administration’s most recent estimate

projects expenditures of approximately $41,901,000,000 on the Air

Traffic Control Modernization effort from 1981 through 2004. The bill includes an appropriation of $2,916,000,000 for the Facilities and Equipment of the Federal Aviation Administration. The

Committee recommendation is the same as the budget estimate

and is $45,645,367 less than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The

bill provides that $2,480,520,000 is available for obligation until

September 30, 2006, and $435,480,000 is available until September

30, 2004.

The Committee is concerned about the inconsistent composition

of budget activities within the Facilities and Equipment account.

The Terminal Business Unit, in particular, consolidates separate

acquisition programs into a single budget line that totals several

hundred million dollars while other activities with relatively modest funding levels receive separate lines. The Committee believes

that the programs funded within the Terminal Business Unit

should be requested as individual budget lines. Such treatment will

provide greater budget discipline and enhance the level of internal

and external oversight warranted by budget activities or budget

items of this magnitude. The Committee expects that future budget

requests will consolidate similar, relatively smaller requests and

provide individual budget lines for the larger requests currently

consolidated within Terminal Business Unit lines.

The Committee’s recommended distributions of the funds for

each of the projects funded by the appropriation:

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Category 1, Improve Aviation Safety:

Terminal Business Unit .............................................................. 150,200,311 137,600,000 112,500,000

Aviation Weather Services Improvements ................................... 23,287,640 13,200,000 22,200,000

Low Level Windshear Alert System (LLWAS)—Upgrade ............. 1,589,600 3,900,000 2,700,000

Aviation Safety Analysis System (ASAS) ..................................... 14,902,500 13,900,000 6,900,000

Integrated Flight Quality Assurance (IFQA) ................................ 496,750 2,100,000 500,000

Safety Performance Analysis Subsystem (SPAS) ........................ 2,086,350 .......................... ..........................

Performance Enhancement Systems (PENS) .............................. 2,583,100 .......................... ..........................

System Approach for Safety Oversight (SASO) ........................... .......................... 12,000,000 ..........................

Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment

(ASKME) .................................................................................. .......................... 2,500,000 ..........................

Total, Reduce Commercial Aviation Fatalities .................. 195,146,251 185,200,000 144,800,000

Safe Flight 21 ............................................................................. 39,740,000 30,300,000 30,300,000

Total, Reduce General Aviation Fatalities .............................. 39,740,000 30,300,000 30,300,000

Advanced Technology Development and Prototyping ................. 56,828,200 42,800,000 76,600,000

Aircraft Related Equipment Program ......................................... 15,896,000 13,700,000 9,200,000

National Aviation Safety Data Analysis Center (NASDAC) ......... 1,987,000 1,900,000 1,900,000

Explosive Detection Technology .................................................. 143,064,000 .......................... ..........................

Technology Demonstration—Lousville KY .................................. 9,935,000 .......................... ..........................

Volcano Monitoring ..................................................................... 2,980,500 .......................... 4,000,000

Total, Other Aviation Safety Programs ................................... 230,690,700 58,400,000 91,700,000

Total Category 1, Safety Programs ........................................ 465,576,951 273,900,000 266,800,000
25

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT—Continued

Fiscal year— Committee

recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Category 2, Improve Efficiency of the Air Traffic Control System:

Terminal Business Unit .............................................................. 491,812,603 458,128,300 479,978,300

Aeronautical Data Link (ADL) Applications ................................ 29,506,950 23,150,000 13,000,000

Free Flight Phase 2 .................................................................... 69,545,000 113,100,000 105,100,000

Air Traffic Management (ATM) ................................................... 12,915,500 13,000,000 37,500,000

Free Flight Phase 1 .................................................................... 36,362,100 37,400,000 37,400,000

Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) ........................... 12,021,350 11,800,000 11,800,000

Aviation Weather Sensor System ................................................ 526,555 .......................... ..........................

Information Display System (IDS)—Flight Service Station ........ .......................... 2,000,000 ..........................

Information Display System (IDS)—SAIDS ................................. .......................... 5,000,000 5,000,000

Total, Increase Number of Flights Handled by Airports ........ 652,163,503 663,578,300 689,778,300

Next Generation Very High Frequency Air/Ground Communications System (NEXCOM) ......................................................... 65,670,350 85,850,000 85,850,000

En Route Automation Program ................................................... 70,588,175 173,900,000 223,575,000

Weather and Radar Processor (WARP) ....................................... 13,511,600 8,500,000 8,500,000

Long Range Radar Sustainment ................................................ 7,451,250 .......................... ..........................

Total, Improve Routing Efficiency for Flights En Route ........ 157,221,375 268,250,000 317,925,000

ATOMS Local Area/Wide Area Network ................................... 1,092,850 1,100,000 1,100,000

NAS Management Automation Program (NASMAP) .................... 993,500 1,200,000 1,200,000

Total, Overall NAS Efficiency Improvement ............................ 2,086,350 2,300,000 2,300,000

Total Category 2, Efficiency Programs ................................... 811,471,228 934,128,300 1,010,003,300

Category 3, Increase Capacity of the NAS:

Navigation and Landing Aids ..................................................... 327,134,713 222,700,000 278,835,000

Oceanic Automation System ....................................................... 86,831,900 69,000,000 69,000,000

Gulf of Mexico Offshore Program ............................................... 2,285,050 .......................... ..........................

Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS) ............................. 13,909,000 32,800,000 32,800,000

Instrument Approach Procudures Automation (IAPA) ................. .......................... 4,000,000 4,000,000

Aircraft Fleet Modernization ........................................................ 14,902,500 .......................... ..........................

Transponder Landing Systems .................................................... 17,883,000 .......................... 6,300,000

Total, Capacity Programs ....................................................... 445,063,163 328,500,000 390,935,000

Category 4, Improve Reliability of the NAS:

Guam Center Radar Approach Control (CERAP)—Relocate ...... 4,967,500 2,600,000 2,600,000

Terminal Voice Switch Replacement/Enhancement Terminal

Voice Switch ........................................................................... 14,107,700 12,000,000 18,500,000

Airport Cable Loop Systems—Sustained Support ...................... 5,464,250 5,000,000 6,500,000

Total, Replace Terminal Equipment to Prevent Decreased

Performance ....................................................................... 24,539,450 19,600,000 27,600,000

En Route Automation Program ................................................... 149,025,000 173,800,000 ..........................

ARTCC Building Improvements/Plant Improvements .................. 34,772,500 34,200,000 34,200,000

Air Traffic Management (ATM) ................................................... 24,340,750 29,000,000 ..........................

Total, Replace En Route Equipment to Prevent Decreased

Performance ....................................................................... 208,138,250 237,000,000 34,200,000

Critical Telecommunication Support ........................................... 993,500 1,500,000 1,500,000

FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure ..................................... 41,727,000 51,200,000 51,200,000

Air/Ground Communication Infrastructure .................................. 22,651,800 24,100,000 24,100,000

Voice Recorder Replacement Program (VRRP) ........................... 4,967,500 3,300,000 3,300,000

NAS Infrastructure Management System (NIMS) ........................ 15,896,000 22,100,000 22,100,000

Flight Service Station (FSS) Modernization ................................ 5,662,950 5,800,000 5,800,000
26

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT—Continued

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

FSAS Operational and Supportability Implementation System

(OASIS) .................................................................................... 19,581,885 19,710,000 19,710,000

Weather Message Switching Center Replacement (WMSCR) ..... 1,987,000 1,500,000 1,500,000

Flight Service Station Switch Modernization .............................. 13,114,200 5,400,000 5,400,000

Alaskan NAS Interfacility Communications System (ANICS) ...... 3,974,000 900,000 900,000

Electrical Power Systems—Sustain/Support .............................. 44,707,500 51,000,000 45,000,000

NAS Recovery Communications (RCOM) ..................................... 9,338,900 12,000,000 11,600,000

Aeronautical Center Infrastructure Modernization ...................... 11,623,950 13,000,000 11,700,000

Frequency and Spectrum Engineering ........................................ 2,583,100 3,600,000 2,600,000

NAS Interference, Detection, Location and Mitigation ............... .......................... 1,000,000 ..........................

Total, Replace Supporting Systems that Impact Overall NAS

Performance ....................................................................... 198,809,285 216,110,000 206,410,000

Total, Reliability Programs ..................................................... 431,486,985 472,710,000 268,210,000

Category 5, Improve the Efficiency of Mission Support:

NAS Improvement of System Support Laboratory ....................... 2,682,450 2,700,000 ..........................

Technical Center Facilities ......................................................... 11,922,000 14,000,000 3,300,000

Technical Center Building and Plant Support ........................... 2,980,500 3,500,000 3,500,000

En Route Communications and Control Facilities Improvements ...................................................................................... 1,299,448 1,203,390 1,203,390

DOD/FAA Facilities Transfer ........................................................ 3,179,200 1,200,000 3,250,000

Terminal Communications—Improve ......................................... 1,241,180 1,012,000 112,000

Flight Service Facilities Improvement ........................................ 1,215,289 1,276,890 476,890

Navigation and Landing Aids—Improve .................................... 5,001,299 5,929,420 5,929,420

FAA Buildings and Equipment .................................................... 10,928,500 11,200,000 11,200,000

Air Navigational Aids and ATC Facilities (Local Projects) ......... 2,086,350 2,200,000 2,200,000

Computer Aided Engineering and Graphics (CAEG) Modernization ......................................................................................... 2,781,800 2,000,000 1,000,000

Information Technology Integration ............................................ 1,589,600 1,600,000 1,600,000

Operational Data Management System (ODMS)—NAIMES ........ 2,980,500 10,300,000 10,300,000

Logistics Support Systems and Facilities (LSSF) ....................... 4,967,500 5,000,000 5,000,000

Test Equipment—Maintenance Support for Replacement ......... 1,688,950 4,000,000 4,000,000

Facility Security Risk Management ............................................ 24,837,500 41,600,000 36,900,000

Information Security .................................................................... 7,948,000 11,500,000 11,500,000

Distance Learning ....................................................................... 1,291,550 1,400,000 1,400,000

National Airspace System (NAS) Training Facilities .................. 2,285,050 4,200,000 4,200,000

System Engineering and Development Support ......................... 23,645,300 28,300,000 25,800,000

Program Support Leases ............................................................. 36,163,400 41,100,000 41,100,000

Logistics Support Services (LSS) ................................................ 7,451,250 7,900,000 7,900,000

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center—Leases ............................ 14,505,100 14,600,000 14,600,000

In-Plant NAS Contract Support Services .................................... 2,881,150 2,800,000 ..........................

Transition Engineering Support .................................................. 34,772,500 39,800,000 35,000,000

FAA Corporate Systems Architecture .......................................... 993,500 1,000,000 ..........................

Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) .............................. 41,428,950 47,600,000 46,700,000

Resource Tracking Program (RTP) .............................................. 2,483,750 3,600,000 3,600,000

Center for Advanced Aviation System Development .................. 80,835,134 90,800,000 82,000,000

Operational Evolution Plan (OEP) ............................................... 993,500 2,000,000 26,000,000

Total, Increase Efficiency of Investment Management .......... 339,060,200 405,321,700 389,771,700

NAS Facilities OSHA and Environmental Standards Compliance 28,215,400 28,300,000 28,300,000

Fuel Storage Tank Replacement and Monitoring ....................... 8,444,750 5,600,000 7,500,000

Hazardous Materials Management ............................................. 20,366,750 19,000,000 19,000,000

Total, Minimize Enviornmental Impact of Aviation Facilities 57,026,900 52,900,000 55,600,000

Category 5 Total ..................................................................... 396,087,100 458,221,700 445,371,700

Category 6, PCB&T:

Personnel and Related Expenses ................................................ 402,024,981 448,540,000 435,480,000
27

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT—Continued

Fiscal year— Committee

recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Category 6 Total ..................................................................... 402,024,981 448,540,000 435,480,000

Subtotal .................................................................................. 2,951,710,408 2,916,000,000 2,816,000,000

NAS Handoff-Transfer to Operating Expenses/Accountwide Adjustment ................................................................................. 9,934,949 .......................... ..........................

Airport grants .............................................................................. .......................... .......................... 100,000,000

TOTAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT ........................................ 2,961,645,357 2,916,000,000 2,916,000,000

IMPROVE AVIATION SAFETY

Terminal Business Unit—Terminal Doppler Weather Radar

[TDWR].—The Committee recommendation provides $2,700,000 for

procurement of spare antenna drive motors, elevation drive bearings and additional replacement part costs. The $4,500,000 requested for initiation of the service life extension program is denied

without prejudice pending a more detailed articulation of the projected out-year costs.

Terminal Business Unit—Airport Surface Detection Equipment—

Model X [ASDE–X].—The Committee recommends $93,000,000 for

procurement of 10 ASDE–X production systems, a reduction of

$21,400,000 from the budget request. The Committee is concerned

that this procurement’s cost per unit as reflected in the budget request has grown by over 30 percent above the fiscal year 2003 requested level. The cost per production unit of this ‘low-cost’ system

is headed in the wrong direction over a fiscal year 2003 production

cost that was already too high. The Committee recommendation

provides growth over the fiscal year 2003 enacted level consistent

with the negotiated inflation rate associated with the underlying

contract. The reductions the program can be accommodated in activity tasks 1, 2, and 5.

Terminal Business Unit.—The Committee recommendation includes an increase of $800,000 for installation and calibration of

two remote transmitter/receiver sites at Las Vegas-McCarran

International Airport.

Aviation Weather Services Improvements.—The Committee recommends an additional $4,000,000 to continue wake turbulence research that utilizes pulsed laser Doppler radar technology and

$5,000,000 to expand the weather camera monitoring system in

Alaska.

Low Level Wind Shear Alert System [LLWAS]—Upgrade/Sustain.—The Committee recommendation provides $2,700,000, a reduction of $1,200,000 below the budget request for this project. No

funds are provided for activity task 2 which can be accommodated

out of Operations funding.

Aviation Safety Analysis System [ASAS].—The Committee recommendation reduces the request for ASAS by 50 percent. These

activities are more appropriately funded out of the Operations account. The Committee expects that these activities will be requested in Operations in subsequent fiscal years.
28

Integrated Flight Quality Assurance.—The Committee recommends $500,000 for this budget item, the same level appropriated in fiscal year 2003.

Systems Approach for Safety Oversight.—The Committee recommendation denies the requested funding without prejudice and

would consider a reprogramming request from within the funding

for FAA Operations for this budget item.

Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment

[ASKME].—The Committee recommendation denies the request for

this new initiative as an activity appropriately funded out of the

FAA Operations account.

Advanced Technology Development and Prototyping.—The Committee recommends $29,600,000 for these research activities. No

funding is provided in this budget item for activity tasks 4, 7, 10,

and 13 which are more appropriately funded out of the Operations

account. In addition, the Committee has provided $3,500,000 for

the demonstration of a prototype rapid response capability to transmit flight data from a commercial type aircraft using data management and communications equipment already installed on most

modern commercial aircraft through software modifications. The

recommendation includes $6,000,000 to continue the wind profiling

and associated weather activities for Juneau, Alaska. The recommended funding level includes $8,500,000 for the cabin air quality demonstration program which implements key civilian aircraft

safety plans developed by the Airliner Cabin Environment Response Team at the FAA to identify, analyze, and study incidents

of cabin air contamination associated with typical flight operations

monitored with onboard sensors and demonstrate decontamination

of aircraft by adapting proven technologies such as vapor hydrogen

peroxide. Of the funding for air cabin air quality demonstration,

$3,750,000 shall support operational activities related to testing

and validating decontamination procedures and technologies at the

Center for Domestic Preparedness. The Committee recommendation also provides $7,500,000 to demonstrate Pulsed Fast Neutron

Analysis [PFNA] non-intrusive inspection of air cargo at George

Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Airport Technology Research.—The budget request included

$15,000,000 for airport technology research within the limitation

for ‘‘Grants-in-Aid for Airports’’ and that funding is provided within

this budget item because research is not an authorized use of airport improvement funds. Within the amount provided, $1,000,000

is for the deployment of lithium technologies to prevent and mitigate alkali-silica reactivity. Of the additional funds provided for

airport technology research, $4,000,000 is to continue the airfield

pavements research program and to expand the scope of pavement

research to include asphalt, and $1,500,000 is to continue an evaluation of the runway obstruction warning system at Gulfport-Biloxi

Airport.

Aircraft Related Equipment Program.—The Committee recommends $9,200,000 for the Aircraft Related Equipment Program.

Funding is not provided for activity tasks 1 and 5.

Volcano Monitoring.—The Committee recommendation includes

$4,000,000 for volcano monitoring, which is $1,000,000 more than

amount appropriated in fiscal year 2003.
29

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

Terminal Business Unit—Airport Traffic Control Facilities—Replace.—The Committee recommendation includes $138,700,000 for

new and replacement facilities. The Committee recommendation includes funding for the following Air Traffic Control Tower [ATCT]

and ATCT/TRACON consolidation projects:

Atlanta, GA ........................................................................................................................................................... $4,159,909

Cleveland, OH ....................................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Morristown, NJ ...................................................................................................................................................... 1,300,000

Dayton, OH ........................................................................................................................................................... 975,000

Wilkes Barre, PA ................................................................................................................................................... 920,000

Oshkosh, WI .......................................................................................................................................................... 385,000

Toledo, OH ............................................................................................................................................................ 975,000

Abilene, TX ........................................................................................................................................................... 1,760,000

Cahokia, IL ........................................................................................................................................................... 625,000

Memphis, TN ........................................................................................................................................................ 5,000,000

Baltimore, MD ...................................................................................................................................................... 600,000

Deer Valley, AZ ..................................................................................................................................................... 5,658,300

Oakland, CA ......................................................................................................................................................... 21,636,600

Manchester, NH .................................................................................................................................................... 8,300,000

St. Louis, MO ........................................................................................................................................................ 1,195,500

Dallas, TX ............................................................................................................................................................. 2,005,000

Reno, NV ............................................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Seattle, WA [ATCT] ............................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Fort Wayne, IN ...................................................................................................................................................... 1,220,000

Newark, NJ ............................................................................................................................................................ 500,000

Pt. Columbus, OH ................................................................................................................................................. 700,000

Billings, MT .......................................................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Savannah, GA ....................................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Newburgh, NY ....................................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Richmond, VA ....................................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Vero Beach, FL ..................................................................................................................................................... 750,000

Everett, WA ........................................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Roanoke, VA ......................................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Merrimack, NH ...................................................................................................................................................... 3,217,700

Seattle, WA [TRACON] .......................................................................................................................................... 5,280,000

Phoenix, AZ ........................................................................................................................................................... 3,027,000

Warrenton, VA ....................................................................................................................................................... 4,110,000

Chantilly, VA ......................................................................................................................................................... 4,500,000

Topeka, KS ............................................................................................................................................................ 1,500,000

Newport News, VA ................................................................................................................................................ 2,000,000

Battle Creek, MI ................................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Mathis, CA ............................................................................................................................................................ 4,300,000

Spokane, WA ......................................................................................................................................................... 6,000,000

Provo, UT .............................................................................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Missoula, MT ........................................................................................................................................................ 4,000,000

Boise, ID ............................................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Las Vegas, NV ...................................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Las Cruces, NM .................................................................................................................................................... 1,100,000

Traverse City, MI .................................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Huntsville, AL ....................................................................................................................................................... 8,000,000

Long Island, NY .................................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Palm Beach Couny, FL ......................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Morristown, NJ Tower Replacement.—The Committee is concerned that the FAA has not adhered to direction it received from

the fiscal year 2001 conferees concerning the construction of a replacement air traffic control tower in Morristown, NJ. The existing

tower continues to deteriorate, and it is critical that construction

of the replacement facility be undertaken expeditiously. Specifically, the FAA was provided $2,500,000 in the fiscal year 2001 conference committee report to be applied to the construction of a re-
30

placement air traffic control tower, and was directed to enter into

an agreement with the airport to reimburse the airport over the

next several years for construction of the tower. We understand

that FAA has only obligated approximately $500,000 of the

$2,500,000 provided, which it has applied toward site and design

work for the tower. Although the site and design work is nearly

completed, FAA apparently has not established concrete plans to

immediately proceed with tower construction. The Committee is

disappointed that FAA has not addressed this project in a more

timely manner, and expects construction to be initiated shortly. If

entering into a reimbursable agreement has contributed to the

agency’s delay or would be expected to create additional delay in

starting construction, the FAA should undertake the construction

directly. The Committee also expects the FAA to report to the

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by December 1,

2003, with the projected tower construction schedule, including specific milestones to be accomplished.

Terminal Business Unit—Airport Traffic Control Tower [ATCT]/

Tracon Facilities—Improve.—The Committee recommendation includes $45,500,000 for ATCT improvements, of which $7,000,000 is

for facilities upgrades required to deploy STARS. The reduction of

the STARS deployment funding is manageable given the schedule

delays to the STARS waterfall. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes funding for the projects listed below:

Des Moines, IA ........................................... Install loading dock .................................................................... $272,030

Waterloo, IA ............................................... Install new tower cab consoles .................................................. 172,414

Erie, PA ...................................................... STARS Modernize, Scope II ......................................................... 1,204,104

Burlington, VT ............................................ Replace HVAC equipment ........................................................... 370,315

Raleigh, NC ............................................... Modernize tower, Phase I ............................................................ 220,000

Jacksonville, FL .......................................... Expand base building, Phase I .................................................. 880,000

Brownsville, TX .......................................... engineering and drafting ............................................................ 299,450

DAL-Ft. Worth, TX ...................................... Modernize Ops areas, Phase I .................................................... 110,000

Camarillo, CA ............................................ In-service upgrade to tower cab ................................................ 603,064

Lancaster, CA ............................................ In-service upgrade to tower cab ................................................ 395,637

Santa Barbara, CA .................................... Provide 2 new positions ............................................................. 550,000

Denver, CO (TRACON) ................................ Correct structural problems ........................................................ 3,400,000

AGL various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 144,000

AEA various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 117,000

ASW various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 108,000

74 TRACON’s and/or associated ATCT ...... Fiscal year 2006 STARS installation design .............................. 5,000,000

Sarasota, FL .............................................. Replace HVAC and modernize facility, Phase II ......................... 828,300

Bellevue, NE .............................................. Replace hydronic water pumps .................................................. 246,532

St. Louis, MO ............................................. Replace consoles ........................................................................ 550,000

Burlington, VT ............................................ Extend east wall of base building ............................................. 255,750

Falmouth, MA ............................................ Modernize operating quarters ..................................................... 311,410

Daytona Beach, FL .................................... Expand base building, Phase I .................................................. 506,000

AAL various ................................................ Various projects .......................................................................... 27,000

DAL-Ft. Worth, TX ...................................... Modernize Ops areas, Phase I .................................................... 220,000

DAL-Ft. Worth, TX ...................................... Modernize Ops areas, Phase I .................................................... 110,000

Van Nuys, CA ............................................. In-service upgrade to tower cab ................................................ 196,592

Scottsdale, AZ ........................................... Rehab consoles, new a/c & water heater .................................. 220,400

Camp Springs, MD (Andrews AFB) ........... Redesign administrative space, Phase II ................................... 2,283,300

Kenai, AK ................................................... Modernization .............................................................................. 940,942

AWP various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 162,000

ACE various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 45,000

ASO various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 171,000

ANE various ............................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 45,000

ANM various .............................................. Various projects .......................................................................... 81,000

Anchorage, AK ........................................... Tower cab modification .............................................................. 151,200

Fairbanks, AK ............................................ Tower cab modification .............................................................. 74,700

Central Region ........................................... Continue carpet replacement ..................................................... 107,760
31

Cedar Rapids, IA ....................................... Smoking room with ventilation ................................................... 6,650

Morgantown, WV ........................................ Paint and seal exterior ............................................................... 116,750

Milwaukee, WI ............................................ Replace base building roof ........................................................ 81,000

Huntington, WV .......................................... Install radar scope ..................................................................... 99,500

Lancaster, PA ............................................ Communication switch ............................................................... 19,950

Sioux Falls, SD .......................................... Renovate third floor conference room ........................................ 62,675

Providence, RI ............................................ Replace duct system .................................................................. 100,550

Portland, OR .............................................. Repace center console ................................................................ 60,220

Salt Lake City, UT ..................................... Replace card swipe system ........................................................ 17,600

Lincoln, NE ................................................ LLWAS to IDS interface ............................................................... 27,500

W. Palm Beach, FL .................................... Add ops position ......................................................................... 303,804

Baton Rouge, LA ........................................ Install remote start capability .................................................... 275,875

DAL-Ft. Worth, TX ...................................... Replace roof ................................................................................ 88,810

Western Pacific .......................................... Various projects .......................................................................... 100,000

Scottsdale, AZ ........................................... Replace tower a/c ....................................................................... 185,356

Anchorage, AK ........................................... Install humidification system ..................................................... 66,027

Wichita, KS ................................................ Data display system ................................................................... 57,325

Omaha, NE ................................................ Renovate elevator lobby .............................................................. 2,200

Albany, NY ................................................. Procure 2 SAIDS displays ........................................................... 52,840

Houma, LA ................................................. Paint exterior ............................................................................... 107,050

Jacksonville, FL .......................................... Replace elevator ......................................................................... 84,478

Parkersburg, WV ........................................ Lighting, carpeting, ceiling improvements ................................. 34,800

Charlottesville, VA ..................................... Data display system ................................................................... 11,600

Chicago, IL ................................................ Repair outside louvers on roof ................................................... 299,000

Charleston, SC ........................................... Replace elevator ......................................................................... 84,478

Yakima, WA ............................................... Replace transformer/breaker panel ............................................ 74,200

New Orleans, LA ........................................ Data displays .............................................................................. 17,400

New Orleans, LA ........................................ HVAC replace .............................................................................. 224,600

Las Vegas, NV ........................................... Replace 3 a/c units .................................................................... 54,902

Tucson, AZ ................................................. Rehab restroom ........................................................................... 179,400

Napa, CA ................................................... Replace a/c system .................................................................... 74,500

Long Beach, CA ......................................... Move wall .................................................................................... 73,600

Terminal Business Unit—Terminal Digital Radar (ASR–11).—

The Committee recommendation for the ASR–11 radar provides

$75,000,000, a reduction of $25,000,000 from the budget request.

The Committee is alarmed at the continued difficulty in this program and will consider further reductions to this budget item unless a compelling recovery plan is submitted. Furthermore, the

Committee continues to be concerned about the lack of radar coverage around central Oregon; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Eagle

County, Colorado and directs the Administrator to provide to the

Committee a process and timetable for addressing these radar

gaps.

Terminal Business Unit—Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR–9).—

The Committee provides $24,000,000 for the ASR–9/Mode S Service

Life Extension Program [SLEP], which is $8,050,000 more than the

budget request of $15,950,000 to accelerate this program. The Committee notes that the FAA has made good use of previously appropriated funds to complete an ASR–9/Mode S Service Life Extension

Design Study and a prototype proof of design system. The Committee also notes the ASR–9/Mode S systems are extremely critical

to aviation operations and to homeland security as these high performance assets are deployed at the most important airports in the

NAS in major metropolitan areas. Several recent failures, with associated delays of hundreds of flights, have shown the importance

of accelerating this modernization program. The Committee encourages the FAA to use the flexibility inherent in the AMS to make

a Full Scale Development and Production award of the ASR–9/

Mode S SLEP.
32

Terminal Business Unit—Terminal Applied Engineering.—The

Committee recommendation provides $8,200,000 for this program,

the same level provided in fiscal year 2003.

Terminal Business Unit—New York Integrated Control Complex.—The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for

completion of the economic analysis, environmental assessments,

and engineering and design studies.

Terminal Business Unit—Precision Runway Monitors [PRM].— The PRM system allows simultaneous independent approaches on

closely spaced parallel runways which enables airports to reduce

potential delays during adverse weather conditions. The Committee

has included $6,000,000 for the PRM program, which is $5,000,000

more than the budget request, to continue the deployment plan

that was articulated by the Committee in fiscal year 2003.

Terminal Business Unit—Automated Technical Support System.—The Committee provides $3,000,000 to develop, build and

test an automated technical documentation pilot program for the

Air Route Surveillance Radar [ARSR–4]. The pilot program should

develop a clearly defined specification for troubleshooting; provide

easy to use graphical user interface defined by user-driven queries;

and create intelligent link data that ties the system logic to troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Aeronautical Data Link [ADL] Applications.—The Committee

recommendation provides $13,000,000 for this program to cover

termination costs and sustain prototyping activities at the Miami

test site. In addition, the Committee is very concerned by the

FAA’s cancellation of the program after spending almost

$300,000,000 and routinely estimating the capacity and efficiency

benefits at over $330,000,000 per year. The Committee encourages

the Inspector General to look into the circumstances leading to the

program termination, whether any of the work to this point is salvageable, and what controls could have been put into place to avoid

a program failure of this type.

Free Flight Phase 2.—The Committee recommendation provides

$105,100,000 for free flight phase 2, fully funding activity tasks 1,

3, 4 and 5.

Air Traffic Management [ATM].—The Committee recommendation provides $37,500,000, the same level provided in fiscal year

2003. Funding for air traffic management that was requested in

Category 4 has been included under this budget item.

Information Display System [IDS]—Flight Service Station.—The

Committee recommendation does not include funding for this budget item due to inadequate justification and inconsistency with a

completely automated flight service station system solution.

Next Generation VHF Air/Ground Communications System

[NEXCOM].—The Committee recommendation includes the full requested amount for this budget item, but notes that the budget justification for this item is exceptionally weak and the outyears costs

are significant. The Committee recommendation for full funding

may prove unsustainable without a more robust and compelling

justification.

En Route Automation Program [ERAM].—The Committee recommendation includes $223,575,000 for the budget items for en

route automation modernization, which represents a 215 percent
33

increase over the fiscal year 2003 enacted level of $71,050,000. The

FAA currently projects this program to cost $2,100,000,000 and be

complete by 2010. Without question, ERAM is one of the most expensive, software-intensive acquisitions FAA has embarked on

since the ill-fated Advanced Automation System. The program has

already been designated as a high risk effort by the Department of

Transportation Inspector General.

The Committee is disappointed that FAA’s budget request for

ERAM provides insufficient details for a program of this importance and magnitude. As a condition for funding, the Committee

expects the fiscal year 2005 budget justification to include a detailed explanation of specific ERAM tasks and the associated costs

to complete each task breaking out the individual program elements and including milestones and timelines for ERAM, En Route

Communications Gateway [ECG], and PAMRI, at a minimum.

Given the FAA’s traditional difficulty with complex, software-related acquisition programs, the Committee is concerned about the

potential for dramatic cost escalation if the program is not managed effectively. Accordingly, the Committee directs the FAA to

provide a cost constrained project plan for the procurement to the

Committee with the fiscal year 2005 budget request. Finally, the

Committee directs the Department of Transportation Inspector

General to examine the FAA’s plan to provide new en route automation equipment within current cost and schedule parameters,

assess whether or not FAA’s procurement strategy is executable,

and identify major risks to implementing ERAM.

INCREASE CAPACITY OF THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Navigation and Landing Aids—Loran-C.—The Committee recommendation includes $20,000,000 to continue the modernization

of the Loran-C system, which is $5,000,000 less than the fiscal year

2003 enacted level.

Navigation and Landing Aids—Wide Area Augmentation System

[WAAS].—The Committee recommendation provides $107,100,000 for WAAS, $13,200,000 below the budget request. The Committee

notes that the current estimated cost of the program is almost six

times the initial estimated cost. No funding is provided for Activity

Tasks 2 and 4. The Committee is also concerned by the sizeable

outyear costs and the lack of justification for Activity Task 3 ATS

enhancements. The Committee will continue to review this program pending conference Committee action and directs the FAA to

provide a revised program cost estimate consistent with the concern raised in the Department of Transportation Inspector General’s Status of FAA Major Acquisitions report.

Navigation and Landing Aids—Instrument Landing Systems.— The Committee recommendation provides funding for the following

projects:

Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells, WI ............................................................................................................................... $375,000

Baton Rouge Municipal, LA ................................................................................................................................. 500,000

Cincinnati/North Kentucky Int, OH ....................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Craig SPB, AK ...................................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Eagle County Regional, CO .................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Eagle River Union, WI .......................................................................................................................................... 625,000

Eastern Iowa, IA ................................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Gadsden Muncipal, AL ......................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000
34

Logan-Cache, UT .................................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

McCook Municipal, NE ......................................................................................................................................... 910,000

North Little Rock Muncipal, AR ........................................................................................................................... 1,200,000

O’Hare International, IL ........................................................................................................................................ 1,500,000

Olive Branch, MS ................................................................................................................................................. 850,000

Sumter Municipal, SC .......................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Western Nebraska Regional/William B Helig Field, NE ....................................................................................... 1,000,000

Navigation and Landing Aids—Transponder Landing Systems.—

The Committee recommendation provides funding for the following

projects:

Glasgow Muncipal, KY ......................................................................................................................................... $2,100,000

Palm Springs, CA ................................................................................................................................................. 2,100,000

Steamboat Springs, CO ........................................................................................................................................ 2,100,000

Navigation and Landing Aids—Approach Lighting System Improvement Program [ALSIP].—The Committee includes

$14,200,000, as requested, for the installation of High Intensity Approach Lighting System with Sequenced Flashing Lights [ALSF–2)

and Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway

Alignment Indicators Lights [MALSR] and recommends an increase

of $5,000,000 for continued procurement of MALSR systems. The

Committee recommends that the FAA continue to procure the latest equipment that has been approved for use in the National

Areospace System [NAS].

In addition, the Committee recommendation includes funding for

the following projects:

Alaska statewide rural lighting (phase III) ............... airfield lighting .......................................................... 8,000,000

Bessmer Regional, AL ................................................ lights and navigation aids ........................................ 250,000

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, OH ............. Precision Approach Path Indicators [PAPI] ............... 175,000

False Pass, AK ............................................................ navigational lighting ................................................. 2,000,000

Green County Regional, GA ........................................ MALSR ........................................................................ $250,000

Hartsfield Atlanta International, GA (5th runway) .... ALSF–2 approach lighting system ............................. 2,000,000

Rhode Island Airport Corporation ............................... REIL and PAPI ............................................................ 2,500,000

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA (third runway) ........................................................................ Approach lighting for runway 16 .............................. 9,700,000

Funding provided for the Alaska statewide airfield lighting initiative may also be used to acquire and install laser lights, upon

certification by the FAA.

Navigation and Landing Aids—Distance Measuring Equipment

[DME].—Consistent with the budget justification, the Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for the procurement and installation of distance measuring equipment. The funding level included by the Committee will allow the FAA to procure and install

commercial off-the-shelf DME electronic equipment at roughly 36

facilities. The Committee encourages the Administrator to install

this updated safety equipment at Rice Lake Regional Airport in

Wisconsin.

Oceanic Automation System [OAS].—The Committee recommendation includes $69,000,000 for the Oceanic Automation

System procurement. The Committee continues to be concerned

with the cost and risk of the program and notes significant requested funding for Oceanic-related activities elsewhere in this account, which is generally an indication of cost containment prob-
35

lems in the central procurement activity. The Committee requests

the Inspector General to conduct an audit of this procurement and

to provide a comparison of the FAA’s experience to date in pursuit

of this capability (cost, schedule, performance specification modifications) to the NavCanada experience.

IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Terminal Voice Switch Replacement [TVSR]/Enhanced Terminal

Voice Switch [ETVS].—The Committee recommendation provides

$18,500,000 for the TVSR/ETVS procurement. The additional funding of $6,500,000 is provided to accelerate deployment of this critical element of the NAS infrastructure. While the Committee notes

that overall FAA budget constraints may have hampered this effort

and resulted in the original deployment schedule being far behind

expectations, the Committee believes the FAA has made good use

of previously appropriated funds to address the original mandate

for the replacement of all 421 obsolete and unsupportable electromechanical voice switching systems in the National Airspace System [NAS]. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the FAA to

use the flexibility inherent in existing TVSR contract vehicles to

continue the ongoing deployment of TVSR systems to accomplish

its original deployment goals.

Airport Cable Loop Systems.—The Committee recommendation

includes $1,500,000 for acquisition and installation of a fiber optic

loop at Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport.

FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure [FTI].—The Committee

recommendation includes the full request for FTI form Facilities

and Equipment funds. However, the Committee notes that as the

FTI solution is implemented, this cost, for on-demand service,

should come from the Operations account.

Electrical Power Systems—Sustain/Support.—The Committee

recommendation provides $45,000,000, essentially the same

amount as the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The recommended

level includes the full amount requested for activity task 1.

National Airspace System [NAS] Recovery Communications

[RCOM].—The Committee recommendation provides $11,600,000

consistent with the justification.

Aeronautical Center Infrastructure Modernization.—The Committee recommendation provides $11,700,00, the same level provided in fiscal year 2003.

Frequency and Spectrum Engineering.—The Committee recommendation provides $2,600,000, the same level provided in fiscal

year 2003.

NAS Interference, Detection, Location and Mitigation.—The Committee recommendation does not include funding for this new budget initiative. This activity is more appropriately funded under Research, Engineering, and Development or the FAA Operations account.

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF MISSION SUPPORT

NAS Improvement of System Support Laboratory.—The Committee recommendation denies this request in order to fund higher

priority items.
36

FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Facilities.—The Committee recommends $3,300,000 for Activity Tasks 1 and 4. Activity

Tasks 2 and 3 are operations and maintenance activities. The Committee expects these items to be funded in operations.

DOD/FAA ATC Facilities Transfer.—The Committee recommendation includes $3,250,000. Funding provided above the

budget increase is for necessary improvements and continued operations of the airport radar approach control at Lawton/Fort Sill Regional Airport in Oklahoma.

Terminal Communications—Improve.—The Committee recommendation provides the requested funding for Activity Tasks 1

and 2. Activity Task 3 is more appropriately budgeted and requested in the Operations account.

Flight Service Facilities Improvements.—The Committee recommendation provides $476,890 for Activity Task 1.

Computer Aided Engineering and Graphics [CAEG] Modernization.—The Committee recommendation provides $1,000,000 for this

budget item, which should provide more than ample funds to procure fourteen new servers, consistent with the request.

Facility Security Risk Management.—The Committee recommendation of $36,900,000 fully funds Activity Tasks 1, 2, 3, and

4 and provides $4,700,000 for program management.

System Engineering and Development Support.—The Committee

recommendation provides $25,800,000, which is $2,200,000 more

than the level appropriated in fiscal year 2003.

In-Plant NAS Contract Support Services.—The Committee recommendation denies funding for this budget item. The contract

support services should either be allocated to the individual budget

item lines to better reflect the cost of the program or to the Operations account. The Committee will consider information from the

FAA as to the most appropriate funding source for conference committee consideration.

Transition Engineering Support.—The Committee recommendation provides $35,000,000, the same level that was provided in fiscal year 2003.

FAA Corporate System Architecture.—The Committee recommendation denies funding for this request. This budget item is

more appropriately funded in the Operations account.

Technical Support Services Contract [TSSC].—The Committee

recommendation provides $46,700,000 for this budget item, which

represents $5,300,000 more than the level appropriated in fiscal

year 2003.

Center for Advanced Aviation System Development [CAASD].—

The Committee recommendation provides $82,000,000 for this

budget item, a slightly higher support level than appropriated in

the fiscal year 2003 bill.

Operational Evolution Plan [OEP].—The Committee recommends

$26,000,000 for the operational evolution plan. The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the contractor labor supported requested in this budget item, the same level appropriated

for this activity in fiscal year 2003. The Committee also provides

$25,000,000 to continue the Global Communication, Navigation,

and Surveillance Systems initiative beyond the current fiscal year.
37

As the FAA continues to implement and modify the OEP, the

Committee encourages the FAA to examine enhancements for general aviation operations in the OEP. This could include charted visual flight rule access routes for operations in Class B airspace, airport infrastructure improvements, which provide improved all

weather access at airports through instrument approach lighting

systems, instrument approach runway markings, parallel taxiways,

obstruction removal (trees etc), instrument approach surveys for

precision approaches based on satellite navigation and where applicable, runway extensions.

Fuel Storage Replacement and Monitoring.—The Committee recommends $7,500,000, which is $1,900,000 more than the budget request.

Personnel and Related Expenses.—The Committee recommendation provides $435,480,000 and notes that the reduction from the

budget estimate can be accommodated through responsible management of P, C, & B for direct labor costs from other parts of the

FAA, travel costs, and within the annualization and inflation allotments. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes

$2,400,000 for the personnel costs associated with the airport advanced technology development and prototyping funding included

in Activity 1.

RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $147,485,075

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 100,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 118,939,000

1 Reflects reduction of $964,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This appropriation finances research, engineering, and development programs to improve the national air traffic control system

by increasing its safety, security, productivity, and capacity. The

programs are designed to meet the expected air traffic demands of

the future and to promote flight safety. The major objectives are to

keep the current system operating safely and efficiently; to protect

the environment; and to modernize the system through improvements in facilities, equipment, techniques, and procedures in order

to ensure that the system will safely and efficiently handle the volume of aircraft traffic expected in the future.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $118,939,000, for the

FAA’s research, engineering, and development activities.

A table showing the fiscal year 2003 enacted level, the fiscal year

2004 budget estimate, and the Committee recommendation follows:

RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year 2003

enacted 1

Fiscal year 2004

estimate

Committee

recommendation

Improve Aviation Safety:

Reduce Commercial Aviation Fatalities:

Fire research ............................................................................ 5,951 7,725 8,725
38

RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year 2003 enacted 1Fiscal year 2004 estimateCommittee recommendation

Propulsion and Fuel Systems .................................................. 5,150 802 4,802

Advanced Materials/Structural Safety ..................................... 1,283 1,244 5,244

Flight Safety/Atmospheric Hazards .......................................... 4,261 3,217 4,217

Aging Aircraft ........................................................................... 23,526 14,336 17,036

Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention ................................. 1,809 762 762

Flightdeck/Main/Sys Integration human factors ..................... 7,903 6,782 6,782

Reduce General Aviation:

Propulsion and Fuel Systems .................................................. 2,207 344 1,344

Advanced Materials/Structural Safety ..................................... 1,568 1,522 1,522

Flight Safety/Atmospheric Hazards .......................................... 1,826 1,378 1,378

Aging Aircraft ........................................................................... 5,882 3,584 3,584

Flightdeck/Main/Sys Integration human factors ..................... 1,854 1,612 1,612

Aviation System Safety:

Aviation safety risk analysis ................................................... 6,539 7,898 7,898

ATC/AF human factors ............................................................. 10,370 8,899 8,899

Aeromedical research ............................................................... 6,193 6,382 9,382

Weather research safety .......................................................... 21,101 20,852 20,852

Improve Efficiency of ATC System: Weather Research Efficiency ............. 11,505 ........................ 3,000

Reduce Environmental Impact of Aviation: Environment and Energy ...... 21,612 7,975 7,975

Improve Efficiency of Mission Support:

System planning and resource manag ............................................ 948 1,261 500

Technical lab facility ........................................................................ 5,997 3,425 3,425

Total, R,E&D ................................................................................. 147,485 100,000 118,939

1 Reflects reduction of $964,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

IMPROVE AVIATION SAFETY

Fire Research and Safety.—The Committee recommends

$8,725,000 for fire research and safety and includes $1,000,000 for

a comprehensive evaluation of advanced reticulated polyurethane

safety foam in commercial aircraft.

Propulsion and Fuel Systems.—The Committee recommendation

provides a total of $4,802,000 for propulsion and fuel systems research to reduce commercial fatalities. The Committee provides

$3,000,000 to study the effects of molecular markers designed for

the purpose of detecting adulteration or dilution of jet fuel. The recommendation also includes $1,000,000 to continue the activities of

the specialty metals processing consortium.

Advanced Materials/Structural Safety.—The Committee recommends $5,244,000 for advanced materials/structural safety research. With the additional funds provided, $4,000,000 is to support and improve ongoing metallic and composite structures research at the National Institute for Aviation Research and

$500,000 for advanced materials research at the University of

Washington.

Flight Safety/Atmospheric Hazards Research.—The Committee

recommends $4,217,000, an increase of $1,000,000 above the requested funding level. The recommendation includes $1,000,000 to

continue development of in-flight simulator training for commercial

pilots at the Roswell Industrial Center.

Aging Aircraft.—The Committee recommendation includes a total

of $17,036,000 for the aging aircraft program to reduce commercial

aviation fatalities. The Committee has provided resources to continue the collaborative efforts between the FAA and several public
39

and private organizations including the Center for Aviation Systems Reliability [CASR], the Airworthiness Assurance Center of

Excellence [AACE] and the Engine Titanium Consortium [ETC].

Within the appropriation, the recommendation includes $3,000,000

for the Center for Aviation Systems Reliability [CASR]; $2,000,000

for the Engine Titanium Consortium [ETC]; $2,000,000 for the

Aging Aircraft Nondestructive Inspection Validation Center

[AANC]; and, $2,500,000 for the Center for Aviation Research and

Aerospace Technology [CARAT].

General Aviation Propulsion and Fuel Systems.—The Committee

recommends $1,344,000 for propulsion and fuel systems research

for general aviation. The recommended level of funding includes

$1,000,000 for further research into the performance and combustion characteristics of aviation grade ethanol fuels at South Dakota

State University.

Aeromedical research.—The Committee recommends $9,382,000

for aeromedical research, an increase of $3,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee notes that the FAA reauthorization bill

requires the Administrator to carry out the studies and analysis

called for in the National Research Council’s report entitled ‘‘The

Airliner Cabin Environment and the Health of Passengers and

Crew.’’ The Committee has provided $3,000,000 for this effort. In

carrying out this study, the Committee directs the Administrator

to conduct surveillance to monitor ozone on a representative number of flights; collect pesticide exposure data; analyze samples of

residue from aircraft ventilation ducts and filters after air quality

incidents to identify the contaminants to which passengers and

crew were exposed; analyze and study cabin air pressure and altitude; and, establish an air quality incident reporting system.

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

Weather Research Efficiency.—The Committee recommends

$3,000,000 for weather research to improve the efficiency of the air

traffic control system. These additional resources will ensure that

this area of research is not suspended.

GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,100,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,400,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,400,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $22,100,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Chapter 471 of title 49, U.S.C. authorizes a program of grants to

fund airport planning and development and noise compatibility

planning and projects for public use airports in all States and territories.

The Committee recommends $3,400,000,000 in liquidating cash

for grants-in-aid for airports. This is consistent with the Committee’s obligation limitation on airport programs for fiscal year 2003

and for the payment of previous years’ obligations.
40

GRANTS-IN AID FOR AIRPORTS

LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Obligation limitation, 2003 ................................................................... $3,377,900,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,400,000,000

Committee recommendation 1 ............................................................... 3,500,000,000

1 Includes additional $100,000,000 not subject to the limitation.

The total program level recommended for fiscal year 2004 for

grants-in-aid to airports is $3,500,000,000, which is $100,000,000

more than the budget request and $122,100,000 more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The Committee recommendation,

which includes funds transferred from another aviation capital account, is intended to be sufficient to continue the important tasks

of enhancing airport and airway safety, ensuring that airport

standards continue to be met, maintaining existing airport capacity, and developing additional capacity.

The Committee notes that a sizable alternative source of funding

is available to airports in the form of passenger facility charges

[PFC’s]. The first PFC charge began for airline tickets issued on

June 1, 1992. DOT data shows that as of December 31, 2002, 310

airports were approved to collect PFC’s in the amount of

$40,900,000,000. During calendar year 2002, airports collected

$1,857,000,000 in PFC charges, and $2,036,000,000 is estimated to

be collected in calendar year 2003. Of the airports collecting PFC’s,

approximately one-fifth collected about 90 percent of the total, and

all of these are either large or medium hub airports. The first collections at the new $4.50 PFC level began on April 1, 2001, at 31

airports. Eventually, the funding to airports from the 50 percent

nominal increase in authorized passenger facility charges will result in dramatically increased resources for airport improvements,

expansions, and enhancements.

EDS Installation.—The Committee is concerned that continuing

to use a significant portion of AIP funds on security projects will

adversely impact capacity and safety projects at the Nation’s airports. In fiscal year 2002, the FAA awarded more than

$561,000,000 of discretionary airport improvement funds for security-related projects, primarily for the costs associated with the installation of explosive detection systems. In contrast, only approximately $56,000,000 was used for security in fiscal year 2001. In

testimony before the Committee, the Department’s Inspector General urged caution at continuing this level of security funding. Furthermore, now that this responsibility resides within the Department of Homeland Security, funds are being provided to the Transportation Security Administration specifically for explosive detection system installation. The Committee has included language to

prohibit funding in fiscal year 2004 for airport improvements that

are necessary to install bulk explosive detections systems.

A table showing the distribution of these funds according to current law compared to the fiscal year 2003 levels and the President’s

budget request follows:
41

Fiscal year 2003 enactedFiscal year 2004

request

Committee recommendation

Appropriations and Obligation Limitation ........................................... $3,377,900,000 $3,400,000,000 $3,500,000,000

Airports Operations ..................................................................... ¥63,206,470 ¥69,737,000 ¥66,638,000

Research & development ............................................................ .......................... ¥17,417,000 ..........................

Small Community Program ......................................................... ¥19,870,000 .......................... 20,000,000

Available for AIP Grants ......................................................... 3,294,823,530 3,312,846,000 3,413,362,000

Primary Airports ................................................................................... 961,151,965 788,414,978 899,650,650

Cargo Service Airports ......................................................................... 98,844,706 102,253,530 102,400,860

Alaska Supplemental (Sec. 4714(e)) ................................................... 21,345,114 21,345,114 21,345,114

States (General Aviation):

Non-Primary Entitlement ............................................................. 341,036,416 341,036,416 341,036,416

State Apportionment by Formula ................................................ 317,928,290 312,532,784 341,635,984

Subtotal .................................................................................. 658,964,706 662,569,200 682,672,400

Carryover Entitlement .......................................................................... 354,986,941 350,000,000 350,000,000

Subtotal, Entitlements ............................................................ 2,095,293,432 1,924,582,822 2,056,068,974

Small Airport Fund:

Non Hub Airports ........................................................................ 220,407,322 .......................... 217,001,737

Non Commercial Service ............................................................. 110,203,661 .......................... 108,500,868

Small Hub ................................................................................... 55,101,831 .......................... 54,250,434

Subtotal, Small Airport Fund ................................................. 385,712,814 .......................... 379,753,039

Subtotal, Non-Discretionary .................................................... 2,481,006,246 1,924,582,822 2,435,822,013

Discretionary Set-Aside:

Noise ........................................................................................... 276,697,877 278,156,140 332,363,596

Environmental Research, Engineering and Development (from

Noise) ...................................................................................... .......................... 20,000,000 ..........................

Reliever ....................................................................................... 5,371,194 .......................... 6,451,764

Military Airport Program ............................................................. 32,552,691 .......................... 34,101,599

National Significance .................................................................. .......................... 662,569,200 ..........................

Subtotal, Discretionary Set-asides ......................................... 314,621,762 960,725,340 377,916,959

C/S/S/N ................................................................................................. 374,396,641 .......................... 499,717,271

Pure Discretionary ................................................................................ 124,798,881 33,128,460 149,905,757

Fund for Small Airports ....................................................................... .......................... 394,409,378 ..........................

Subtotal, Other Discretionary ................................................. 499,195,522 427,537,838 599,623,028

Subtotal, Discretionary ........................................................... 813,817,284 1,388,263,178 977,539,987

GRAND TOTAL ......................................................................... 3,294,823,530 3,312,846,000 3,413,362,000

AIRPORT DISCRETIONARY GRANTS

Within the budgetary resources provided in the accompanying

bill, $977,539,837 is available for discretionary grants to airports.

The Committee has carefully considered a broad array of discretionary grant requests that can be expected in fiscal year 2004.

Specifically, the Committee expects the FAA to give priority consideration to applications for the projects listed below in the categories

of AIP for which they are eligible. If funds in the remaining discretionary category are used for any projects in fiscal year 2004 that

are not listed below, the Committee expects that they will be for

projects for which FAA has issued letters of intent (including letters of intent the Committee recommends below that the FAA subsequently issues), or for projects that will produce significant avia-
42

tion safety improvements or significant improvements in systemwide capacity or otherwise have a very high benefit/cost ratio.

Within the program levels recommended, the Committee directs

that priority be given to applications involving the further development of the following airports:

Airport Project

A L Mangham Jr. Regional Airport, TX ..................................... Airport Improvements

Abbeville Chris Crusta Memorial Airport, AL ............................ Runway Extension

Abilene Regional Airport, TX ..................................................... Renovations and Upgrades

Addison Airport, TX ................................................................... Runway Safety Area Improvements

Akutan Seaplane Base, AK ....................................................... Access and Airport Road

Albany County Airport, NY ........................................................ Runway 1–10 Extension, Phase II

Allaire Airport, NJ ...................................................................... Land Acquisition

Allen Army Airbase, AK ............................................................. Various Improvements

Andrews Municipal Airport (Robert F. Swinnie), SC ................ Airport Pavement Reconstruction

Andrews-Murphy Airport, NC ..................................................... Development of Business Class Airport

Ankeny Regional Airport, IA ...................................................... Apron area expansion, Various Improvements

Anoka Count-Blaine Airport, MN ............................................... Runway Extension

Arkansas International Airport, AR ........................................... Airport Relocation

Artesia Municipal Airport, NM .................................................. Runway Extension, Various Improvements

Ashe County Airport, NC ........................................................... Obstruction Removal, Environmental Assessment, Runway

Extension, Land Acquisition

Atka Airport, AK ........................................................................ Runway Extension

Atmore Municipal, AL ................................................................ Land Acquisition, Safety Upgrade, Various Improvements

Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, GA ............................ Terminal Construction, Runway Rehabilitation, Various Improvements

Austin Straubel International Airport, WI ................................. Intersections, Various Improvements

Baltimore-Washington International Airport, MD ..................... Various Improvements

Bangor International Airport, ME .............................................. Air Cargo Facility

Barkley Regional Airport, KY ..................................................... Various Improvements to Terminal, Parking & Runway Areas

Barter Island LRRS, AK ............................................................. Various Improvements

Batesville Regional Airport, AR ................................................ Land Acquisition

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Ryan Field, LA .................. Runway Extension, Drainage, Lighting

Baxter County Regional Airport, AR .......................................... New Crosswind Runway

Benedum, Airport, WV ............................................................... Various Improvements

Bert Mooney Airport, MT ........................................................... Airport Improvements

Bessemer Airport, AL ................................................................ Runway, Drainage, Lighting, Various Improvements

Birmingham International Airport, AL ...................................... Land Acquisition, Runway Extension

Block Island State Airport, RI ................................................... Various Improvements

Blytheville Municipal Airport, AR .............................................. Airfield Upgrades & Airport Improvements

Bowman Field, KY ..................................................................... Apron & Taxiway Reconstruction

Braxton County Airport, WV ...................................................... Various Improvements

Bremerton National Airport, WA ................................................ Runway & Taxiway Lengthening & Strengthening

Brewton Municipal Airport, AL .................................................. Construction & Lighting of Taxiway & Runways, Various Improvements

Bruce Campbell Field, MS ........................................................ Airport Renovation & Remodeling

Buffalo Niagara International Airport, NY ................................ Runway 5–23 and Taxiway A Rehabilitation

Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport, NC .............................. Runway & Taxiway Lengthening & Strengthening

Cape May County Airport, NJ .................................................... Obstruction removal & Various Improvements

Carson Airport, NV .................................................................... Runway Realignment, Obstruction Removal, Land Acquisition

Central Nebraska Regional Airport, NE .................................... Rehabilitate Runway 17–35 and Connecting Taxiway

Central Wisconsin Airport, WI ................................................... Parallel Taxiway

Charles City Municipal Airport, IA ............................................ Runway Rehabilitation & Extension

Cherry Capital Airport, MI ......................................................... Complete New South Airline Terminal Project

Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field, OH ........................ Maintenance and Improvement Project

Clarion County Airport, PA ........................................................ Runway Expansion

Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, OH ............................ Various Security Improvements, Instrument Landing System

& Runway Rehabilitation

Coffman Cove Seaplane Base, AK ............................................ Floatplane Facility

Cold Bay Airport, AK ................................................................. Terminal Facilities

Columbia Metropolitan Airport, SC ........................................... Land Acquisition

Concord Regional Airport, NC ................................................... Runway Extension

Connellsville Airport, PA ........................................................... Runway Expansion

Council Bluffs Municipal Airport, IA ......................................... Runway Expansion

Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field, WI ......................... Runway 14 Safety Area Construction
43

Airport Project

Davis Airport, WV ...................................................................... Various Improvements

Denton Municipal Airport, TX .................................................... Airport Improvements

Don ̃ a Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa, NM ....................... Fencing & Runway Extension [Phase II]

Double Eagle II Airport, NM ...................................................... Runway 17–35 Reconstruction

Drake Field; Fayetteville, AR ..................................................... Construction of New Hangars

E.F. Knapp State Airport, VT ..................................................... Terminal Upgrades

Eagle River Union Airport, WI ................................................... Various Improvements

Eastern WV Regional/Shephard Field Airport, WV .................... Various Improvements

Easterwood Field, TX ................................................................. Approach Surveillance Radar

Egegik Airport, AK ..................................................................... Runway Improvements

Elkins—Randolph County—Jennings Randolph Field Airport,

WV ......................................................................................... Various Improvements

Elton Hensley Memorial Airport, MO ......................................... New Runway

Erie International-Tom Ridge Field Airport, PA ........................ Runway Extension

Fairbanks International Airport, AK .......................................... Passenger Facility

Fairfield Municipal Airport, IA .................................................. Relocation of Roadway/Utilities, Grading, Various Improvements

Fairmont Municipal Airport, WV ................................................ Various Improvements

False Pass Airport, AK .............................................................. Various Improvements

Fitch H Beach Airport, MI ......................................................... Runway Expansion

Fort Dodge Regional Airport, IA ................................................ Runway Extension

Gallatin Field Airport, MT ......................................................... Various Improvements

Gary/Chicago Airport, IN ........................................................... Runway Rehabilitation

Gen Edward L Logan International Airport, MA ....................... Runway Centerline Lighting System Replacement

General Mitchell International Airport, WI ................................ Various Improvements

Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell MT ...................... Various Improvements

Grant County Airport, WV .......................................................... Various Improvements

Great Falls International Airport, MT ........................................ Northside Interstate Access Road

Greater Rochester International Airport, NY ............................. Various improvements

Greenbrier Valley, WV ................................................................ Various Improvements

Greene County Regional Airport, GA ......................................... Runway Lengthening, Widening, Strengthening

Greenwood-Leflore Airport, MS .................................................. Runway Rehabilitation

Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, MS ......................................... General Aviation & Cargo Development

Hammonton Municipal Airport, NJ ............................................ Apron, Various Improvements

Hector International Airport, ND ............................................... Runway Reconstruction

Helena Regional Airport, MT ..................................................... Terminal Remodeling & Expansion Project

Henderson City-County Airport, KY ........................................... Various Improvements to Terminal, Parking & Runway Areas

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, VI ..................................................... Terminal Modifications

Hickory Regional Airport, NC .................................................... Lighting, Runway & Taxiway Improvements

Houma-Terrebonne Airport, LA .................................................. Runway Upgrades

Huntsville International-Carl T Jones Field Airport, AL ............ Taxiway & Ramp Expansion

Indiana County/Jimmy Stewart Field Airport, PA ..................... Runway Extension

Iowa City Municipal Airport, IA ................................................. Grading for the 7/25 Runway Extension

Jackson County Airport, WV ...................................................... Various Improvements

Jackson International Airport, MS ............................................. Apron & Taxiway Replacement

Jacksonville International Airport, FL ....................................... Taxiway Improvements

Jonesboro Municipal Airport, AR ............................................... Airport Rescue and Firefighting Truck and Building

Juneau Harbor Seaplane Base, AK ........................................... Snow Removal Equipment

Kee Field Airport, WV ................................................................ Various Improvements

Ketchikan International Airport, AK .......................................... Various Improvements

Kodiak Airport, AK ..................................................................... Terminal Improvements

La Crosse Municipal Airport, WI ............................................... Reconstruct Taxiways F, G, H & remainder of Taxiway B.

Lafayette Regional Airport, LA .................................................. Runway 4R/22L Extension, Various Improvements

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, MO ............................ Relocation of 131st Airborne Division

Las Cruces International Airport, NM ....................................... Fire Station

Lawrenceville-Vincennes Airport, IL .......................................... Reconstruction of Terminal and Hangar Development

Leesville Airport, LA .................................................................. Runway Expansion

Lehigh Valley International Airport, PA .................................... Various Improvements

Liberty County Airport, GA ........................................................ Joint Use Aviation Facility

Logan County Airport, WV ......................................................... Various Improvements

Long Island-MacArthur Airport, NY ........................................... Aircraft Apron, Access Roadway, Security Projects

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, LA .......... Airfield Safety Improvement Program, Various Improvements

Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport, KY ................ Various Improvements

Macon County Airport, NC ........................................................ Runway Extension, Security Fencing

Mahlon Sweet Field, OR ............................................................ Reauthorize funding airport capital improvements

Manistee County Blacker Airport, MI ........................................ Terminal Construction
44

Airport Project

Marion-Crittenden County Airport, KY ...................................... Runway Paving

Marlinton Airport, WV ................................................................ Various Improvements

Marshall County Airport, WV ..................................................... Various Improvements

Maryville Memorial Airport, MO ................................................ Terminal Facility, Various improvements

Mason City Municipal Airport, IA .............................................. Runway Reconstruction

Mason County Airport, WV ........................................................ Various Improvements

McCarran International Airport, NV .......................................... Various Improvements

McComb-Pike County/John E Lewis Field Airport, MS .............. Runway Extension

McKinney Municipal Airport, TX ................................................ Runway & Taxiway Rehabilitation

Melbourne International Airport, FL .......................................... Terminal Surface Access Improvements

Memorial Field (Hot Springs), AR ............................................. Runway Safety 15, 13, 23, 31 Improvements

Mercer County Airport, WV ........................................................ Various Improvements

Mid-Delta Regional Airport, MS ................................................ Various Improvements

Midway Airport, IL ..................................................................... Various Security Improvements

Millville Municipal Airport, NJ ................................................... Dike Project

Mingo County Airport, WV ......................................................... Various Improvements

Minneapolis-St. Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport,

MN ........................................................................................ Pavement Rehabilitation

Missoula International Airport, MT ........................................... Land Acquisition

Mobile Downtown Airport [BFM], AL ......................................... Rehabilitate Ramp near Hangar 16 and 17, Security Fencing,

Various Improvements

Mobile Regional Airport, AL ...................................................... Land Acquisition, Security Upgrades, Runway Rehabilitation

Monroe Regional Airport, LA ..................................................... New Airport Master Plan

Montgomery Regional (Dannelly Field) Airport, AL ................... Terminal Expansion & Renovation

Morehouse Memorial Airport, LA ............................................... Runway Expansion

Morganton-Lenoir Airport, NC ................................................... Runway Expansion

Morgantown Municipal—Walter L Bill Hart Field Airport,

WV ......................................................................................... Various Improvements

Morrisville-Stowe State Airport, VT ........................................... Environmental assessment for runway extension

Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport, MI ...................................... Various Improvements

Nashville International Airport, TN ........................................... Taxiway Widening, Airfield Reconstruction

New Bedford Regional Airport, MA ........................................... Approach Road Improvements

New Castle County Airport, DE ................................................. Rehabilitation of Runway 1–19 & Taxiway M

Newport State Airport, RI .......................................................... Perimeter Fencing, Various Improvements

Newport State Airport, VT ......................................................... New Crosswind Runway

Newton Municipal Airport, IA .................................................... Obstruction removal & Partial Taxiway

Niagara Falls International Airport, NY .................................... Airport Rehabilitation

North Central State Airport, RI ................................................. Various Improvements

North Las Vegas Airport, NV ..................................................... Lights

North Pickens Airport, AL .......................................................... Land Acquisition, RSA Improvements, Runway Overlay

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, AR ................................ Cargo Apron & Taxiway

Oakland—Pontiac Airport, MI .................................................. Various Improvements

Ohio University, OH ................................................................... Airport Improvements

Olive Branch Airport, MS .......................................................... Various Improvements

Orlando International Airport, FL .............................................. Elimination of Wildlife Attractants

Orlando Sanford International Airport, FL ................................ 9R/27L Runway Extension

Ottumwa Industrial Airport, IA ................................................. Partial Parallel Taxiway & Security

Outagamie County Regional Airport, WI ................................... Various Improvements

Owensboro-Daviess County Airport, KY .................................... Various Improvements to Terminal, Parking & Runway Areas

Palmer Municipal Airport, AK ................................................... Various Improvements

Palwaukee Municipal Airport, IL ............................................... Taxiway Improvements

Pellston Regional Airport, Emmet County, MI .......................... New Passenger Terminal Building

Petersburg James A Johnson Airport, AK ................................. Apron Expansion

Philadelphia International, PA .................................................. Airport Improvements

Philadelphia Municipal Airport, MS .......................................... Expansion of aprons, Navigational Devices

Philippi—Barbour County Regional Airport, WV ...................... Various Improvements

Pickens County Airport, SC ....................................................... Rehabilitation Project

Pierre Regional Airport, SD ....................................................... Runway Rehabilitation

Pilot Point Airport, AK ............................................................... Airport Expansion

Pittsburgh International Airport, PA ......................................... Airfield/Terminal Maintenance Complex

Plattsburgh International Airport, NY ....................................... Redevelopment and Capital Improvements

Port Heiden Airport, AK ............................................................. Various Improvements

Pryor Field Regional Airport, AL ................................................ Various Improvements

Quonset State Airport, RI .......................................................... Various Improvements

Raleigh County Memorial Airport, WV ...................................... Various Improvements

Ralph Wein Memorial Airport, AK ............................................. Various Improvements
45

Airport Project

Reading Municipal/Carl A Spaatz Field Airport, PA ................. Runway Reconstruction & Extension

Reno/Stead Airport, NV ............................................................. Runway Reconstruction, Taxilane Construction, Overlay

Reno/Tahoe International Airport, NV ....................................... Passenger Terminal Expansion, Lighting Controls System Upgrade and various improvements

Rice Lake Regional-Carl’s Field Airport, WI ............................. Runway Extension

Richard B Russell Airport, GA .................................................. Runway Extension

Roberts Field Airport, OR .......................................................... Terminal Building Expansion

Rockingham County NC Shiloh Airport, NC .............................. Runway Extension

Russellville Municipal Airport, AL ............................................. Runway Extension

Rutland State Airport, VT ......................................................... Terminal & Security upgrades

Saline County/Watts Field, AR .................................................. Airport Relocation

San Francisco International Airport, CA ................................... Security Operations Integration System

Sand Point Airport, AK .............................................................. Terminal Improvements

Santa Fe County Municipal Airport, NM ................................... Runway 15/33 Rehabilitation

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA ................................ Various Improvements

Shreveport Regional Airport, LA ................................................ Runway Extension, Various Improvements

Sitka Seaplane Base, AK .......................................................... Various Improvements

Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, NJ .................................................. Airport Acquisition

Marshall Municipal-Ryan Field Airport, MN ............................. Various Improvements

Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport, SC .......................... Runway Extension, Safety Area Construction

Spencer Airport, WV .................................................................. Various Improvements

Spirit of St. Louis Airport, MO .................................................. Taxiways

Springfield Capital Airport, IL .................................................. Apron & Taxiway Improvements

Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, MO ............................... Midfield Terminal Design

St. George Airport, AK ............................................................... Runway Paving

St. Paul Island Airport, AK ....................................................... Runway Paving

Stanly County Airport, NC ......................................................... Improvement Plan, Various Improvements

Statesville Municipal Airport, NC ............................................. Airport Expansion

Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX .............................................. Apron & Taxiway

Summersville Airport, WV ......................................................... Various Improvements

Syracuse Hancock International Airport, NY ............................. Noise Mitigation

Ted Stevens Anchorage Int’l Airport, AK .................................. Terminal Connector, Various Improvements

The Eastern Iowa Airport, IA ..................................................... Rehabilitation & Construction of Aprons

The William B. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, GA .... Access Control System Replacement

Tonopah Airport, NV .................................................................. Terminal Renovation

Tri-County Regional Airport, KY ................................................ Acquire Rights, Design, Conduct Environmental Studies

Tri-State/Walker-Long Field, WV ............................................... Various Improvements

Troy Municipal Airport, AL ........................................................ Runway & Taxiway Extension, Apron Improvements

Tulsa International Airport, OK ................................................. Security Improvements, Taxiway N Construction

Unalaska Airport, AK ................................................................. Terminal Facility

Upshur County Regional Airport, WV ........................................ Various Improvements

Vermilion County Airport, IL ...................................................... Runway Extension

Walnut Ridge Regional Airport, AR .......................................... Runway Extension

Washington Memorial Airport, MO ............................................ Runway Improvements

Washington Municipal Airport, IA ............................................. Taxiway Construction

Waterloo Municipal Airport, IA .................................................. Perimeter Fencing & Airfield Rescue Fire Fighting Vehicle

Waukesha County Airport, WI ................................................... Various Improvements

Waukegan Regional Airport, IL ................................................. Runway Extension

Wayne County Airport, OH ......................................................... Airport Improvements

Welch Municipal Airport, WV .................................................... Various Improvements

Westerly State Airport, RI ......................................................... Perimeter Fencing, Various Improvements

Wheeling—Ohio County Airport, WV ......................................... Various Improvements

Williams Gateway Airport, AZ ................................................... Runway Construction, Taxiway Repair

Willmar Municipal Airport, MN ................................................. Runway Paving, Lighting

Wilmington International Airport, NC ....................................... Various Improvements

Winfield Airport, WV .................................................................. Various Improvements

Winona-Montgomery County Airport, MS .................................. Various Improvements

Wood County/Gill Robb Wilson Field, WV ................................. Various Improvements

Yeager Airport, WV .................................................................... Various Improvements

LETTERS OF INTENT

Congress authorized FAA to use letters of intent [LOI’s] to fund

multiyear airport improvement projects that will significantly enhance systemwide airport capacity. FAA is also to consider a
46

project’s benefits and costs in determining whether to approve it for

AIP funding. FAA adopted a policy of committing to LOI’s no more

than roughly 50 percent of forecasted discretionary funds allocated

for capacity, safety, security, and noise projects. The Committee

viewed this policy as reasonable because it gave FAA the flexibility

to fund other worthy projects that do not fall under a LOI. Both

FAA and airport authorities have found letters of intent helpful in

planning and funding airport development.

In addition, applications are pending for capacity enhancement

projects which would, if constructed, significantly reduce congestion

and delay. These projects require multiyear funding commitments.

The Committee recommends that the FAA enter into letters of intent for multiyear funding of such capacity enhancement projects.

Birmingham International Airport, AL.—The Committee encourages the FAA to give full and immediate consideration to the Birmingham Airport Authority’s application for a letter of intent for

construction of Runway 6–24 extension and adjacent taxiways. The

Committee is informed that substantial safety and capacity benefits will accrue from the completion of this project.

ADMINISTRATION

The accompanying bill provides $66,638,000 for administration of

the airport program from within the overall limitation on obligations. The Committee recommendation reduces the inflationary increase to $2,088,000 and fully funds the request for automated airport data systems modifications, environmental streamlining, and

wildlife hazard management. The Committee directs the airports

office, in conjunction with the State of Alaska and the Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board, to undertake a study to determine improvements at strategic airports that are necessary to more effectively

transport fresh fisheries products from the North Pacific to market.

The Committee has not included funding for Airport Technology

Research from within the limitation on obligations for grants-in-aid

to airports. Funding for these research activities is provided under

the Facilities and Equipment account.

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PILOT PROGRAM

The Committee bill includes $20,000,000, within the overall limitation on obligations for grants-in-aid to airports, for the Small

Community Air Service Development Pilot Program. This is the

same amount as the level provided in fiscal year 2003. The program is designed to improve air service to underutilized airports in

small and rural communities. The total number of communities or

groups of communities that can participate in the program is limited to no more than 4 from any one State and no more than 40

in any fiscal year. The program gives priority to communities that

have high air fares, will contribute a local share of the cost, will

establish a public-private partnership to facilitate airline service,

and where assistance will provide benefits to a broad segment of

the traveling public.
47

GENERAL PROVISIONS—FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Section 101 provides airports the authority to transfer certain instrument landing systems to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Section 102 limits the number of technical staff years at the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development to no more than

350 in fiscal year 2004.

Section 103 prohibits funds in this Act to be used to adopt guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to provide the Federal Aviation Administration ‘‘without cost’’ buildings, maintenance, or space for FAA services. The prohibition does not apply to

negotiations between FAA and airport sponsors concerning ‘‘below

market’’ rates for such services or to grant assurances that require

airport sponsors to provide land without cost to the FAA for air

traffic control facilities.

Section 104 authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration to

use funds from airport sponsors, including the airport’s ‘‘Grants-inAid for Airports’’ entitlement funds, for the hiring of additional

staff or for obtaining services of consultants for the purpose of facilitating environmental activities related to airport projects that

add critical airport capacity to the national air transportation system.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

The principal mission of the Federal Highway Administration is

to, in partnership with State and local governments, foster the development of a safe, efficient, and effective highway and intermodal

system nationwide including access to and within National Forests,

National Parks, Indian Lands and other public lands.

Under the Committee recommendations, a total program level of

$34,824,297,000 would be provided for the activities of the Federal

Highway Administration in fiscal year 2004. The following table

summarizes the fiscal year 2003 program levels, the fiscal year

2004 program request and the Committee’s recommendations:

[In thousands of dollars]

Program

Fiscal year—

Committee

2003 program recommendation

level

2004 budget

estimate

Federal-aid highways limitation ................................................................ 1 31,593,300 29,293,948 33,843,000

Limitation on administrative expenses ............................................ 2 (314,071) (338,834) (337,834)

Exempt Federal-aid obligations ................................................................. 884,329 931,297 831,297

Appalachian Development Highway System .............................................. 1 186,778 ........................ 150,000

Total .............................................................................................. 32,664,407 30,225,245 34,824,297

1 Reflects reduction of $206,700,000 for FAH limitation and $1,200,000 for ADHS pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $1,000,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $314,071,181

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 338,834,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 337,834,000

1 Reflects reduction of $2,100,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $1,000,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.
48

The limitation on administrative expenses controls spending for

virtually all the salaries and expenses of the Federal Highway Administration. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century

changed the funding source for the highway research accounts from

the administrative takedown of the Federal-Aid Highway Program

to individual contract authority provisions. The Committee recommends a limitation of $337,834,000.

The following table reflects the fiscal year 2003 level, the 2004

level requested by the administration, and the Committee’s recommendation:

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

[In thousands of dollars]

Program

Fiscal year—

Committee recommendation 2003 level 2004 budget estimate

Administrative Expenses:

Salaries and benefits ................................................................. 234,523 240,102 240,102

Travel .......................................................................................... 9,142 9,634 9,634

Transportation ............................................................................. 449 473 473

GSA rent ...................................................................................... 24,646 25,750 25,750

Communications, rent, and utilities ........................................... 10,503 12,296 12,296

Printing ....................................................................................... 1,602 1,928 1,928

Supplies ...................................................................................... 1,930 2,000 2,000

Equipment ................................................................................... 4,378 5,736 5,236

Other ........................................................................................... 26,898 40,915 40,415

Total ........................................................................................ 314,071 338,834 337,834

The Working Capital Fund is distributed across all Administrative Expense items.

Information Technology.—The Committee has included a

$1,000,000 reduction in FHWA’s request for IT security enhancements and equipment replacement. The Committee is concerned

that FHWA has not developed a comprehensive plan to encompass

both security enhancements and equipment replacement. The

budget justification separately discusses FHWA’s need for infrastructure upgrades and a need to purchase new desktop systems

that can accommodate the most up-to-date commercial software.

The Committee believes that infrastructure, equipment, and software upgrades should go hand in hand such that one can support

the other. Therefore, the Committee directs FHWA to develop a

comprehensive plan to ensure that IT security and equipment upgrades are compatible and that any equipment acquisition is flexible and upgradable.

Environmental Streamlining.—The Committee recommendation

includes $7,000,000 to continue environmental streamlining initiatives at FHWA. This is the same level of funding that was provided

in fiscal year 2003.

Las Vegas Pedestrian Connections.—Within the total amount provided, the Committee has included $500,000 for Pedestrian Connections for the City of Las Vegas, Nevada.

GRANTS FOR THE NATIONAL AMBER ALERT NETWORK

On April 30, 2003, the president signed into law the PROTECT

Act (Public Law 108–21), formally establishing the Federal Government’s role in the Amber Alert system. Amber Alerts use tech-
49

nology to disseminate information about child abductions in a timely manner in an effort to quickly recover the child. Amber Alert

plans are voluntary partnerships including law enforcement agencies, highway departments, and media companies that provide

emergency alert broadcasts and utilize the Emergency Alert System [EAS], highway messages boards, telephone alert systems, the

internet, and e-mail. To date, 45 States have statewide alert plans.

Because kidnappers can cross State lines with their victims it is

important for Amber Alerts to be part of an integrated national

network.

The PROTECT Act authorized $20,000,000 for the Secretary of

Transportation to make grants to States for the development or enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted

children. The Committee is supportive of the National Amber Alert

Network and agrees that national coordination of the many State

Amber Alert systems is essential if the network is to become a vital

law enforcement tool in child abduction cases. The Committee has

included $20,000,000 to support grants for the National Amber

Alert Network.

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2003 1 .................................................................................. $31,593,300,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 29,293,948,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 33,843,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $206,700,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The accompanying bill includes language limiting fiscal year 2004 Federal-aid highways obligations to $33,843,000,000, an increase of $2,043,000,000 over the fiscal year 2003 enacted level and

$4,549,052,000 over the budget request.

The following table shows the distribution of highway funds apportioned to the States under three scenarios: the fiscal year 2003

enacted level, the President’s budget, and the Committee recommendation.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATED FISCAL YEAR 2004 DISTRIBUTION OF OBLIGATION

LIMITATION

States Actual fiscal year

2003 distribution 1

Fiscal year 2004

President’s budget 2

Fiscal year 2004

Committee recommendation 2

Alabama ................................................................................... $556,694,521 $531,862,669 $610,065,884

Alaska ...................................................................................... 297,456,994 297,527,671 333,344,939

Arizona ..................................................................................... 469,517,220 455,903,535 513,068,338

Arkansas .................................................................................. 356,921,536 346,026,473 399,280,331

California ................................................................................. 2,580,156,032 2,534,630,047 2,883,896,599

Colorado ................................................................................... 353,190,106 349,926,197 396,295,855

Connecticut .............................................................................. 396,194,208 392,355,750 445,060,182

Delaware .................................................................................. 118,255,867 117,550,810 132,401,690

District of Columbia ................................................................ 110,747,385 106,880,975 122,016,586

Florida ...................................................................................... 1,308,585,881 1,273,348,420 1,428,360,647

Georgia ..................................................................................... 976,008,809 940,807,433 1,066,655,578

Hawaii ...................................................................................... 141,302,148 136,175,830 154,890,770

Idaho ........................................................................................ 209,897,183 200,766,970 229,785,369
50

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATED FISCAL YEAR 2004 DISTRIBUTION OF OBLIGATION

LIMITATION—Continued

States Actual fiscal year

2003 distribution 1

Fiscal year 2004

President’s budget 2

Fiscal year 2004

Committee recommendation 2

Illinois ...................................................................................... 933,632,041 900,104,896 1,025,955,529

Indiana ..................................................................................... 622,532,801 615,049,160 697,911,989

Iowa .......................................................................................... 332,927,033 319,874,961 366,039,935

Kansas ..................................................................................... 324,785,504 312,139,106 357,157,626

Kentucky ................................................................................... 487,863,858 468,760,484 535,211,906

Louisiana .................................................................................. 429,501,349 427,752,796 488,529,711

Maine ....................................................................................... 146,483,504 139,763,781 160,756,644

Maryland .................................................................................. 455,142,840 441,295,803 501,555,287

Massachusetts ......................................................................... 512,177,717 495,857,147 571,397,242

Michigan .................................................................................. 859,172,034 828,788,959 941,434,779

Minnesota ................................................................................. 404,701,569 398,830,155 455,063,801

Mississippi ............................................................................... 334,371,336 327,936,758 374,667,295

Missouri .................................................................................... 639,738,735 623,781,005 716,151,371

Montana ................................................................................... 253,843,761 257,260,341 289,528,377

Nebraska .................................................................................. 214,881,104 208,425,713 236,608,618

Nevada ..................................................................................... 195,404,163 190,807,504 215,059,355

New Hampshire ........................................................................ 142,193,988 136,116,368 155,978,211

New Jersey ................................................................................ 744,150,659 716,243,842 817,115,438

New Mexico .............................................................................. 262,878,753 259,339,528 294,727,119

New York .................................................................................. 1,384,055,630 1,359,923,637 1,550,251,591

North Carolina .......................................................................... 774,882,985 749,202,103 850,944,572

North Dakota ............................................................................ 175,402,329 174,782,167 197,100,638

Ohio .......................................................................................... 937,857,273 919,484,423 1,046,796,994

Oklahoma ................................................................................. 431,637,071 413,942,844 474,532,957

Oregon ...................................................................................... 334,290,345 322,448,924 374,592,430

Pennsylvania ............................................................................ 1,393,940,173 1,313,383,236 1,531,222,073

Rhode Island ............................................................................ 161,491,333 157,361,460 179,850,318

South Carolina ......................................................................... 450,641,675 440,146,002 503,076,639

South Dakota ........................................................................... 196,104,996 188,933,687 219,364,642

Tennessee ................................................................................. 607,195,279 597,448,989 681,206,751

Texas ........................................................................................ 2,169,718,867 2,095,566,136 2,372,246,482

Utah ......................................................................................... 216,664,700 208,960,466 238,184,523

Vermont .................................................................................... 123,614,293 122,117,305 138,411,135

Virginia ..................................................................................... 686,692,399 675,377,736 767,809,423

Washington .............................................................................. 493,842,921 475,658,043 542,767,926

West Virginia ............................................................................ 304,827,947 298,175,353 343,314,289

Wisconsin ................................................................................. 538,011,290 519,368,037 588,380,535

Wyoming ................................................................................... 183,294,498 186,181,464 211,779,717

Puerto Rico ............................................................................... .............................. 105,991,543 ..............................

Subtotal ...................................................................... 27,735,476,643 27,076,344,642 30,727,806,636

Allocated Programs 3 ................................................................ 3,857,823,357 2,217,603,358 3,115,193,364

Total ............................................................................ 31,593,300,000 29,293,948,000 33,843,000,000

1 Amounts for each State include special limitation for minimum guarantee, Appalachia, and high priority projects and exclude exempt minimum guarantee and emergency relief. 2 Amounts for each State include special limitation for minimum guarantee and Appalachia and exclude exempt minimum guarantee and

emergency relief. 3 Includes territories. Also, includes Puerto Rico for fiscal year 2003 actual and fiscal year 2004 Committee recommendation.

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS PROGRAMS

The roads and bridges that make up our nation’s highway infrastructure are built, operated, and maintained through the joint efforts of Federal, State, and local governments. States have much

flexibility to use Federal-aid highway funds to best meet their individual needs and priorities, with FHWA’s assistance and oversight.
51

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century [TEA21], the

highway, highway safety, and transit authorization through fiscal

year 2003 makes funds available in the following major categories:

National Highway System.—The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA] of 1991 authorized the National

Highway System [NHS], which was subsequently established as a

163,000-mile road system by the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995. This system serves major population centers,

intermodal transportation facilities, international border crossings,

and major destinations. It is comprised of all interstate routes, selected urban and principal rural arterials, defense highways, and

major highway connectors carrying up to 76 percent of commercial

truck traffic and 44 percent of all vehicle traffic. A State may

transfer up to half of its NHS funds to the Surface Transportation

program [STP] and all NHS funds with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation. The Federal share of the NHS is an 80

percent match and funds remain available for 4 fiscal years.

Interstate Maintenance.—The 46,567-mile Dwight D. Eisenhower

National System of Interstate and Defense Highways retains a separate identity within the NHS. This program finances projects to

rehabilitate, restore, resurface and reconstruct the Interstate system. Reconstruction of bridges, interchanges, and over-crossings

along existing interstate routes is also an eligible activity if it does

not add capacity other than high occupancy vehicle [HOV] and auxiliary lanes.

All remaining Federal funding to complete the initial construction of the interstate system has been provided through previous

highway legislation. The TEA21 provides flexibility to States in

fully utilizing remaining unobligated balances of prior Interstate

Construction authorizations. States with no remaining work to

complete the Interstate System may transfer any surplus Interstate Construction funds to their Interstate Maintenance program.

States with remaining completion work on Interstate gaps or opento-traffic segments may relinquish Interstate Construction fund eligibility for the work and transfer the Federal share of the cost to

their Interstate Maintenance program.

Funds provided for the Interstate maintenance discretionary program in fiscal year 2004 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:

Project Amount

Aroostook County North-South Highways, Maine ................................................................................................. $3,500,000

Kelly USA: New Luke Road, Texas ........................................................................................................................ 200,000

I–15 Reconstruction 10800 South to 600 North, Utah ....................................................................................... 6,000,000

I–182, Queensgate to SR 240, Richland, Washington ........................................................................................ 2,000,000

I–195 Relocation, Rhode Island .......................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

I–20 Widening and Safety Improvements, Alabama ........................................................................................... 3,500,000

I–270 at Dorsett & I–70 interchange improvements, Missouri .......................................................................... 4,000,000

I–35/127th Street Overpass, Olathe, Kansas ...................................................................................................... 3,000,000

I–40 Crosstown, Oklahoma .................................................................................................................................. 5,000,000

I–405 Corridor Improvements, Washington ......................................................................................................... 2,000,000

I–49 North, Louisiana .......................................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

I–49 South, Louisiana .......................................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

I–5 Rush Road to Maytown Widening, Lewis County, Washington ..................................................................... 2,000,000

I–5, 116th Street NE Interchange Improvements, Snohomish, Washington ....................................................... 2,000,000

I–5, 219th Street Interchange, Battle Ground, Washington ............................................................................... 2,000,000

I–5, Lynnwood City Center Exit, Washington ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000
52

Project Amount

I–55, Church Road to Tennessee State Line, DeSoto County, Mississippi ......................................................... 2,000,000

I–65 Cloverland Bridges, Montgomery, Alabama ................................................................................................ 1,000,000

I–69/SR 304 Paving, Mississippi ........................................................................................................................ 5,500,000

I–70 Improvement Project: Frederick, Maryland .................................................................................................. 5,000,000

I–80/Iowa 945 Interchange, Polk County, Iowa ................................................................................................... 3,000,000

I–84, Glenns Ferry to King Hill, WB, Idaho ......................................................................................................... 2,000,000

IH35 Texas ............................................................................................................................................................ 5,800,000

Interstate 44 and US 65 Interchange, Missouri .................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Interstate 80 (I–80) Colfax Narrows Project, Nevada ......................................................................................... 2,000,000

Interstate 80, Northwest 27th St. to West of I–180, Nebraska .......................................................................... 1,500,000

Interstate 90 Port-of-Entry, Wyoming .................................................................................................................. 500,000

Interstate 94/43/794 (Marquette Interchange)—Milwaukee, Wisconsin ............................................................ 6,000,000

Madison I–565 Interchange at County Line Road, Madison, Alabama .............................................................. 1,000,000

McCaslin Boulevard/U.S. 36 Interchange Construction, Colorado ...................................................................... 2,000,000

Montgomery County, Ohio—Interstate 75, Ohio .................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Pennsylvania Turnpike—I–95 Interchange Project, Pennsylvania ...................................................................... 2,000,000

Reconstruct Exit 60—I–90 in Rapid City, South Dakota ................................................................................... 6,000,000

Route 15/I86 Interchange Phase II, New York .................................................................................................... 3,500,000

Valleydale Road at I–65, Alabama ...................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Surface Transportation Program.—The surface transportation

program [STP] is a very flexible program that may be used by the

States and localities for any roads (including NHS) that are not

functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors. These

roads are collectively referred to as Federal-aid highways. Bridge

projects paid with STP funds are not restricted to Federal-aid highways but may be on any public road. Transit capital projects are

also eligible under this program. The total funding for the STP may

be augmented by the transfer of funds from other programs and by

minimum guarantee funds under TEA21 which may be used as if

they were STP funds. Once distributed to the States, STP funds

must be used according to the following percentages: 10 percent for

safety construction; 10 percent for transportation enhancement; 50

percent divided among areas of over 200,000 population and remaining areas of the State; and, 30 percent for any area of the

State. Areas of 5,000 population or less are guaranteed an amount

based on previous funding, and 15 percent of the amounts reserved

for these areas may be spent on rural minor collectors. The Federal

share for the STP program is 80 percent with a 4-year availability

period.

Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.—The program

provides assistance for bridges on public roads, including a discretionary set-aside for high cost bridges and for the seismic retrofit

of bridges. Fifty percent of a State’s bridge funds may be transferred to the NHS or the STP, but the amount of any such transfer

is deducted from the national bridge needs used in the program’s

apportionment formula for the following year.

At least 15 percent, but not more than 35 percent, of a State’s

apportioned bridge funds must be spent on bridges not on the Federal-aid system.

Funds provided for the bridge discretionary program in fiscal

year 2004 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:

Project Amount

Beacon Falls Depot Street Bridge, Connecticut .................................................................................................. $1,000,000

Blackford Bridge Project, Kentucky ...................................................................................................................... 250,000
53

Project Amount

Bridge 1480230 Upgrade with Polymer Concrete Deck—Greene County, Missouri ........................................... 400,000

Bridge Replacement on Arkabutla—Coldwater Road, Mississippi ..................................................................... 750,000

Broadway Bridge/I–25 Interchange Complex, Colorado ...................................................................................... 8,000,000

Canvas Bridge, Nicholas County, West Virginia .................................................................................................. 8,000,000

Carlsbad, New Mexico, Railroad Overpass .......................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Chehalis, I–5 Exit 79 Interchange Bridge, Washington ...................................................................................... 3,000,000

Covered Bridges ................................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Delaware River Port Authority—Ben Franklin Bridge, Pennsylvania .................................................................. 5,000,000

Ferry Street Bridge, New Haven, Connecticut ...................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Funny River Bridge Crossing, Alaska .................................................................................................................. 10,000,000

Granite Street and Bridge Widening Project, New Hampshire ............................................................................ 7,000,000

Highway 19 Bridge Replacement, Missouri ......................................................................................................... 6,000,000

I–195 Washington Bridge (eastbound), Rhode Island ........................................................................................ 4,000,000

I–5 Second Street Bridge, Mt. Vernon, Washington ............................................................................................ 3,000,000

I–80 Bridges Cedar River Bridges, Iowa ............................................................................................................. 3,000,000

IH–35E Chambers Creek Bridges, Texas ............................................................................................................. 1,500,000

Indian River Inlet Bridge Replacement, Delaware .............................................................................................. 4,000,000

King County, South Park Bridge, Washington ..................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Meridian Bridge Replacement, Yankton, South Dakota ...................................................................................... 2,000,000

North Avenue Bridge, Chicago, Illinois ................................................................................................................ 5,000,000

Route 1 & 9 and St. Pauls Avenue Bridge, Hudson County, New Jersey ........................................................... 2,000,000

Russell Street Viaduct (MD 295/Baltimore), Maryland ....................................................................................... 4,000,000

Topeka Boulevard Bridge, Kansas ....................................................................................................................... 8,000,000

US20 Bridge Repair, Oregon ................................................................................................................................ 600,000

Waldo-Hancock Suspension Bridge in Prospect and Verona, Maine .................................................................. 4,000,000

National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program.—The

Committee recommendation provides $4,000,000 for the covered

bridge program within the funds made available for the discretionary bridge program. Within this amount, $2,000,000 shall be

made available for covered bridges in the State of Vermont.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.—

This program provides funds to States to improve air quality in

non-attainment and maintenance areas. A wide range of transportation activities are eligible, as long as DOT, after consultation

with EPA, determines they are likely to help meet national ambient air quality standards. TEA21 provides greater flexibility to engage public-private partnerships, and expands and clarifies eligibilities to include programs to reduce extreme cold starts, maintenance areas, and particulate matter [PM–10] nonattainment and

maintenance areas. If a State has no non-attainment or maintenance areas, the funds may be used as if they were STP funds.

On-road and off-road demonstration projects may be appropriate

candidates for funding under the CMAQ program. Both sectors are

critical for satisfying the purposes of the CMAQ program, including

regional emissions and verifying new mobile source control techniques.

Federal Lands Highways.—This program provides authorizations

through three major categories—Indian reservation roads, parkways and park roads, and public lands highways (which incorporates the previous forest highways category)—as well as a new

category for Federally-owned public roads providing access to or

within the National Wildlife Refuge System. TEA21 also establishes a new program for improving deficient bridges on Indian reservation roads.

The Committee directs that the funds allocated for this program

in this bill and in permanent law are to be derived from the

FHWA’s public lands discretionary program, and not from funds al-
54

located to the National Park Service’s regions. Funds provided for

the Federal lands program in fiscal year 2004 shall be available for

the following activities:

Project Amount

Blackstone River Valley Bikeway, Rhode Island .................................................................................................. $1,,500,000

Chickasaw Museum and Cultural Center Planning and Development, Mississippi ........................................... 500,000

Chignik Road Improvements, Alaska ................................................................................................................... 2,100,000

City of Boston—Harbor Islands NRA Long Island Pier Reconstruction, Massachusetts ................................... 300,000

City of Rocks Back Country Byway, Stage 2, Idaho ............................................................................................ 3,000,000

Colville Confederated Tribe—Inchelium/Gifford Bridge Feasibility Study, Washington ..................................... 120,000

County Road, Preston North and South, Nebraska ............................................................................................. 1,000,000

Craig Road Overpass, Nevada ............................................................................................................................. 3,500,000

Ft. Yates Business Loop, North Dakota ............................................................................................................... 500,000

Glacier Creek to Rock Creek, Alaska ................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Glacier National Park Going to the Sun Road, Montana .................................................................................... 8,000,000

Hawaii Statewide Federal Lands Improvements .................................................................................................. 4,000,000

Henry Drive Bridge #001, Kansas ........................................................................................................................ 750,000

Henry Drive Bridge #801—Fort Riley, Kansas .................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, Arizona ................................................................................................................... 7,000,000

Iditarod Historic National Trail Project, Alaska ................................................................................................... 500,000

Interstate Bridge Crossing between Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada .......................................... 500,000

Kenai Fjords National Park Resurrection Bay Trail and Parking Improvements, Seward, Alaska ..................... 2,300,000

KY 115 and KY 911 Interchange, Kentucky ........................................................................................................ 1,250,000

Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, North Dakota ....................................................................................................... 700,000

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe—Access Road, Washington ..................................................................................... 2,300,000

McCarthy Creek Tram, Alaska .............................................................................................................................. 200,000

Moosalamoo Region, Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont ........................................................................ 150,000

Port of Pasco, Ainsworth Avenue Realignment—Sacagawea Heritage, Washington ......................................... 3,000,000

Red Cliff Arch Bridge, Colorado .......................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Russell Cave National Monument Road, Jackson County, Alabama ................................................................... 500,000

Salmon Falls Creek Bridge, Idaho ....................................................................................................................... 500,000

Seminole Dam Road, Wyoming ............................................................................................................................ 3,500,000

Seminole Tribe of Florida: Snake Road Realignment, Florida ............................................................................. 1,000,000

Shotgun Cove Road, Alaska ................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Six County Fort Peck Road Access Project, Montana .......................................................................................... 1,500,000

Skokomish Tribe Roadway Improvements, Washington ....................................................................................... 1,300,000

Southeast Alaska Seatrails .................................................................................................................................. 500,000

Stoughton Pond Road, Weathersfield, Vermont ................................................................................................... 100,000

Taylor Hill Road US Secondary Montana 234 ...................................................................................................... 1,885,000

U.S. 95 Laughlin to Searchlight (Phase 3), Nevada ........................................................................................... 8,000,000

US 93 Evaro to Polson Wildlife Crossings, Montana .......................................................................................... 2,000,000

US Highway 491 On the Navajo Nation, New Mexico ......................................................................................... 1,000,000

Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico ................................................................................................... 1,200,000

Williamsport/Pile Bay Road, Kenai, Alaska ......................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Winner Creek Trail Improvements, Alaska ........................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Miller Creek Bridge, Montana.—The Committee is aware that

the environmental clearance process for the Miller Creek Tondge

Project, MT include in Public Law 107–87 will cost less than the

amount included and directs FHWA to apply the balance of the

funds for final design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and

construction engineering activates.

Minimum Guarantee.—Under TEA21, after the computation of

funds for major Federal-aid programs, additional funds are distributed to ensure that each State receives an additional amount based

on equity considerations. This minimum guarantee provision ensures that each State will have a return of 90.5 percent on its

share of contributions to the highway account of the Highway

Trust Fund. To achieve the minimum guarantee each fiscal year,

$2,800,000,000 nationally is available to the States as though they

are STP funds (except that requirements related to set-asides for

transportation enhancements, safety, and sub-State allocations do
55

not apply), and any remaining amounts are distributed among core

highway programs.

Emergency Relief.—This program provides for the repair and reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and Federally-owned roads

which have suffered serious damage as the result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures. TEA21 restates the program eligibility

specifying that emergency relief [ER] funds can be used only for

emergency repairs to restore essential highway traffic, to minimize

the extent of damage resulting from a natural disaster or catastrophic failure, or to protect the remaining facility and make permanent repairs. If ER funds are exhausted, the Secretary of Transportation may borrow funds from other highway programs.

Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle, WA.—The Committee is aware of

recent studies indicating that the damage sustained by the Alaskan

Way Viaduct as a result of the Nisqually earthquake in 2001 was

far more extensive than originally assumed. The Committee encourages the Federal Highway Administration to work with the appropriate State and local officials to confirm the full extent of the

damage and determine the appropriate amount of emergency relief

resources that should be committed to this project.

National Corridor Planning and Border Infrastructure Programs.—TEA21 created a national corridor planning and development program that identifies funds for planning, design, and construction of highway corridors of national significance, economic

growth, and international or interregional trade. Allocations may

be made to corridors identified in section 1105(c) of ISTEA and to

other corridors using considerations outlined in legislation. The coordinated border infrastructure program is established to improve

the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S./Mexico

and U.S/Canada borders.

Funds provided for the National Corrider and Border Infrastructure Program shall be available for the following activities:

Project Amount

172nd Street, I–5 Interchange and Bridge Expansion, Washington ................................................................... $3,000,000

34th Street Corridor completion, Minnesota ........................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Alameda Corridor-East, California ....................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Anniston East Bypass, Alabama .......................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Arctic Winter Games Transportation Improvements, Alaska ............................................................................... 1,000,000

Billings Bypass Development: Design and ROW, Montana ................................................................................. 2,000,000

Birmingham North Beltline, Birmingham, Alabama ............................................................................................ 2,000,000

Canal Road Intermodal Connector, Harrison County, Mississippi ...................................................................... 1,000,000

Chenega Road System, Alaska ............................................................................................................................ 850,000

Construct Madison Street Interchange I–29 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota ........................................................ 5,000,000

Cyberport, Arizona ................................................................................................................................................ 2,500,000

Decatur Beltline Expansion, Decatur, Alabama ................................................................................................... 2,000,000

FAST Corridor, Washington ................................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Flintlock Road Overpass, City of Liberty, Missouri .............................................................................................. 1,000,000

Ft. Wainwright Alternative Access & Chena River Crossing, Alaska .................................................................. 5,700,000

Highway 226: Highway 67 to Highway 63 (Jonesboro), Arkansas ...................................................................... 1,500,000

Hillsborough County I–4 Crosstown Connector, Florida ...................................................................................... 2,000,000

I–565 to Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Alabama .............................................................................................. 5,000,000

I–69, Louisiana .................................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

I–95/SR 1 Interchange Turnpike Improvements, Delaware ................................................................................. 1,000,000

Intercounty Connector (ICC), Maryland ................................................................................................................ 500,000

LA–1, Port Fourchon to Golden Meadow, Louisiana ............................................................................................ 2,000,000

LA HWY 820 Improvements, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana ....................................................................................... 1,500,000

LA–37/US 190 Central Thruway Connector, Louisiana ........................................................................................ 1,000,000

Lucille Street and Mack Drive Improvements, Wasill, Alaska ............................................................................. 1,000,000
56

Project Amount

Mesa del Sol, Albuquerque, New Mexico ............................................................................................................. 1,500,000

Missisquoi Bay Bridge, Vermont .......................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Murray Business Loop, Kentucky ......................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

North Pole Roads Lighting, Alaska ...................................................................................................................... 950,000

Northwest Bypass—City of Beaufort, South Carolina ........................................................................................ 1,000,000

Otay Mesa/State Route 905, California ............................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission—High Priority Corridor #31 ....................................................................... 5,000,000

Route 24/140 Interchange Replacement and Expansion, Massachusetts .......................................................... 1,000,000

Route 79 Improvements, Fall River, Massachusetts ........................................................................................... 1,500,000

SR 509/SR 518 Interchange/Intersection Redevelopment [Burien), Washington ................................................ 2,000,000

Santa Fe/C–470, Colorado ................................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

State Highway 133 Widening, Colquitt County, Georgia ..................................................................................... 4,000,000

Texas I 69 ............................................................................................................................................................ 5,800,000

US 11, Orleans and St. Tammany Parishes, Louisiana ...................................................................................... 500,000

U.S. 395, North Spokane Corridor, Washington ................................................................................................... 1,000,000

U.S. 412 Mountain Home to Hwy. 101, Arkansas ............................................................................................... 4,000,000

U.S. 51, Christian/Shelby Counties, Illinois ......................................................................................................... 2,000,000

US 113, Phase I, Maryland .................................................................................................................................. 1,500,000

US 278, South Carolina ....................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

US 67 improvements, Missouri ............................................................................................................................ 5,000,000

US 87 Bypass around Big Spring, Texas ............................................................................................................ 200,000

US 95, Worley to Mica, Idaho .............................................................................................................................. 7,000,000

US Highway 6 Improvements, Coralville, Iowa .................................................................................................... 1,000,000

US–231/I–10 Freeway Connector, Alabama ........................................................................................................ 8,000,000

US 35 Mason and Putnam Counties, West Virginia ........................................................................................... 6,000,000

Walden Point Road, Alaska .................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

West Virginia Route 10—Logan County .............................................................................................................. 10,000,000

Wood/Sandusky/Lucas Counties—U.S. Route 20, Ohio ....................................................................................... 5,000,000

Yakima Grade Separations, Washington ............................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Ferry Boats and Ferry Terminal Facilities.—Section 1207 of

TEA21 reauthorized funding for the construction of ferry boats and

ferry terminal facilities.

Funds provided for the Ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities

program under the Committee recommendation shall be available

for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:

Project Amount

Coffman Cove/Wrangell/Petersburg Ferrier and Ferry Facilities, Alaska ............................................................. $3,000,000

Fort Morgan-Dauphin Island Ferry, Alabama ...................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Hatteras Ferry Project, North Carolina ................................................................................................................. 500,000

Homer-Jakolof Bay-Halibut Cove Ferry, Alaska .................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Kitsap Transit—Marina Expansion and Transit Passenger Ferry Terminal, Washington ................................... 3,000,000

Mukileto Multimodal Terminal, Washington ........................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Ocean Gateway Development, Maine ................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Oyster Point Ferry, San Francisco, California ...................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Port of Ketchikan Ferry Facility, Alaska ............................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Southworth Terminal Redeveloment/Vashon Terminal Preservation, Washington ............................................... 1,000,000

Staten Island Ferry Kennedy Class Replacement Program, New York ................................................................ 2,000,000

TEA21 Setaside, AK and HI .................................................................................................................................. 20,000,000

National Scenic Byways Program.—This program provides funding for roads that are designated by the Secretary of Transportation as All American Roads [AAR] or National Scenic Byways

[NSB]. These roads have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities. The Committee recommendation provides $27,500,000 for this program in fiscal year

2004. The recommendation is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year

2003 level and assumes the constant rate of growth of each year

of the TEA21 authorization period.
57

Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot

Program.—TEA21 created a new transportation and community

and system preservation program that provides grants to States

and local governments for planning, developing, and implementing

strategies to integrate transportation and community and system

preservation plans and projects. These grants may be used to improve the efficiency of the transportation system, reduce transportation externalities and the need for future infrastructure investment, and improve transportation efficiency and access consistent

with community character. Funds provided for this program for fiscal year 2004 shall be available for the following activities:

Project Amount

Bartlett Access Intersection Safety Improvements, Alaska ................................................................................. $500,000

Beckley VA Medical Center Access Road, West Virginia ..................................................................................... 1,000,000

Bedford, New Hampshire Route 101 Corridor Safety Improvement Project ........................................................ 1,000,000

Bellingham, Coast Millennium Trail—South Bay Taylor Dock Project, Washington .......................................... 500,000

Berlin G. Meyers Parkway Extension, South Carolina .......................................................................................... 1,000,000

Big Lake to Wasilla Pedestrian Trails, Alaska .................................................................................................... 500,000

City of Charles Town—Gateway Revitalization Project, West Virginia ............................................................... 350,000

Colchester Roadway/pedestrian Path, Vermont ................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Coltsville Corridor Redevelopment Project, Connecticut ...................................................................................... 1,000,000

Galveston Railroad Bridge Replacement, Texas .................................................................................................. 500,000

Henderson County Port Authority Project, Kentucky ............................................................................................ 1,000,000

Highway 79 Corridor/Greenway Project, Alabama ............................................................................................... 750,000

Hollywood Drive Expansion Project—City of Jackson, Tennessee ....................................................................... 450,000

I–65 Industrial Park Access Improvements, Atmore, Alabama ........................................................................... 500,000

Kincaid Park Trail Connection, Alaska ................................................................................................................ 900,000

Lawrence Gateway Quadrant Area Reuse Plan, Lawrence, Massachusetts ........................................................ 500,000

Manhattan, Kansas Fourth Street Corridor .......................................................................................................... 200,000

Matanuska-Susitna Roads Improvement, Alaska ................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Niobrara Scenic River Corridor Roads, Nebraska ................................................................................................ 1,000,000

North/South Road, Oahu, Phase I, Hawaii .......................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Owensboro Waterfront Development Project, Kentucky ........................................................................................ 1,000,000

Pedestrian/Bicycle Linkage & Scenic Overlook Restoration, Grant, Alabama ..................................................... 25,000

Riverwalk, Montgomery, Alabama ........................................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Route 29 Recreational Bike and Pedestrian Path, Mercer, New Jersey .............................................................. 1,000,000

Santa Fe (US 85)/C–470 Interchange, Colorado ................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Seattle, Elliot Avenue & BNSF Crossing Path Improvements, Washington ........................................................ 1,000,000

Spokane, University District Transportation Safety Enhancement Project, Washington ..................................... 1,000,000

Stourbridge Rail Excursion Line, Pennsylvania ................................................................................................... 75,000

Streetscape Initiative, Phase II, for the City of Moultrie, Georgia ...................................................................... 500,000

Town of Clayton Downtown Revitalization, Clayton, Alabama ............................................................................ 500,000

U.S. 49 from Florence, Mississippi to I–20 ......................................................................................................... 750,000

Uptown Crossings Vine Street Improvement Project, Ohio .................................................................................. 1,000,000

Vancouver Interstate-5 Pedestrian Bridge, Washington ...................................................................................... 500,000

West Bay Bridge in Panama City, Florida ........................................................................................................... 1,000,000

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

(RESCISSION)

The bill rescinds $156,000,000 in contract authority balances

from the five core programs. The Committee directs FHWA to administer the rescission by allowing each State maximum flexibility

in making these adjustments among the five programs.
58

APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT HIGHWAY SYSTEM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $186,778,000

Budget estimate, 2004 2 ......................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 150,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,222,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

1The budget estimate requests funding under the Federal-Aid Highway obligation limitation.

The Committee recommendation includes $150,000,000 for the

Appalachian Development Highway System [ADHS]. The amount

provided is the same as the fiscal year 2003 comparable level.

Funding for this initiative is authorized under section 1069(y) of

Public Law 102–240—the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. The ADHS program provides funds for the construction

of the Appalachian corridor highways in the 13 States that comprise the Appalachian region. These highways, in many instances,

are intended to replace some of the most deficient and dangerous

segments of rural roadway in America.

LIMITATION ON TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Limitation, 2003 1 2 ................................................................................ $459,493,750

Budget estimate, 2004 1 ........................................................................ 404,068,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 462,500,000

1 Resources available in fiscal year 2003 and requested in fiscal year 2004 are assumed within

the Federal aid highway obligation limitation in the budget request for fiscal year 2004. 2 Reflects reduction of $3,000,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The limitation controls spending for the transportation research

and technology programs of the FHWA. This limitation includes

the intelligent transportation systems, surface transportation research, technology deployment, training and education, and university transportation research. The Committee recommendation provides an obligation limitation for transportation research of

$462,500,000. This limitation is consistent with the provisions of

TEA21.

LIMITATION ON TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Surface transportation research .......................................................................................................................... $103,000,000

Technology Deployment program ......................................................................................................................... 50,000,000

Training and education ........................................................................................................................................ 18,000,000

Bureau of Transportation Statistics .................................................................................................................... 31,000,000

ITS Standards, research, operational tests, and development ........................................................................... 110,000,000

ITS Deployment ..................................................................................................................................................... 124,000,000

University transportation research ....................................................................................................................... 26,500,000

Subtotal ....................................................................................................................................................... 462,500,000

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Within the funds provided for highway research and development, the Committee makes the following recommendations for the

surface transportation research program:

Project Amount

Environment, Planning & Right-of-way ............................................................................................................... $17,000,000

Research and Technology Program Support ........................................................................................................ 10,000,000

International Research ......................................................................................................................................... 400,000

Structures ............................................................................................................................................................. 13,000,000

Safety ................................................................................................................................................................... 11,000,000
59

Project Amount

Highway Operations ............................................................................................................................................. 12,500,000

Asset Management ............................................................................................................................................... 2,750,000

Pavements Research ............................................................................................................................................ 15,750,000

Policy Research .................................................................................................................................................... 9,200,000

Long Term Pavement Project [LTPP] .................................................................................................................... 10,000,000

Advanced Research .............................................................................................................................................. 400,000

R&T Strategic Planning/Performance Measures .................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Total ........................................................................................................................................................ 103,000,000

Environment, Planning, and Real Estate.—The Committee recommendation includes $17,000,000 for environment, planning, and

real estate research. Within the funds provided for this research

activity, the Committee has provided $1,000,000 to continue dust

and persistent particulate abatement research in Kotzebue, Alaska.

Research and Technology Program Support.—The Committee recommends $10,000,000, $1,500,000 more than the fiscal year 2003

enacted level. Within the funds available for research and technology, the Committee has provided $750,000 for the Center on

Coastal Transportation Research at the University of South Alabama and $750,000 for the electromagnetic transportation research

project at the University of Vermont to continue research into the

development of advanced ground penetrating radar [GPR] systems.

International Research.—The Committee recommendation includes $400,000 for international research. This is the same

amount provided in fiscal year 2003.

Structures.—The Committee has provided $13,000,000 for structures researchs. This research effort allows FHWA reduce deficiencies on National Highway System bridges and should facilitate

continued progress on high performance materials and engineering

applications to design, repair, retrofit, inspect, and rehabilitate

bridges. Within the funds provided for this research activity, the

Committee has provided $250,000 to continue a demonstration

project to evaluate the use of battery-powered cathodic protection

to extend the life of concrete bridges that are located in extreme

cold weather conditions and $1,000,000 to West Virginia University

to continue research on the rapid deployment and durability of

bridge structures constructed with advanced composite materials.

The Committee recommendation also includes $250,000 for the

University of Delaware’s Center for Innovative Bridge Engineering,

$1,500,000 for the Infrastructure Renewal Research project at

Washington State University and $500,000 to support non-destructive structural evaluation technology at the New Mexico State University’s Bridge Research Center.

Safety.—The Committee recommendation provides $11,000,000

for safety research. This program develops engineering practices,

analysis tools, equipment, roadside hardware, and safety promotion

and public information that will significantly contribute to the reduction of highway fatalities and injuries. Within the funds provided for safety, the Committee has provided $250,000 to conduct

an evaluation of durable waterborne road markings at Pennsylvania State University to understand the safety impacts, environmental impact and cost effectiveness of the several pavement

marking systems and $500,000 to Washington State Department of
60

Transportation for pilot projects to test Level-2 Warning/Positive

Protection Gates for highway railroad grade crossings.

Highway Operations.—The Committee recommendation provides $12,500,000 for research activities regarding highway operations.

The Highway operations research program is designed to develop,

deliver, and deploy advanced technologies and administrative

methods to provide pavement and bridge durability, and to reduce

construction and maintenance-related user delays. Within the

funds provided, the Committee has included $750,000 for the University of Idaho’s National Institute for Advanced Transportation

Technology [NIATT], working with the Northwest Transportation

Training and Education Alliance, to develop and deliver training

and education for transportation professionals in Idaho, Oregon,

and Washington. The Committee has also provided $750,000 for

the Oklahoma Transportation Center to conduct research addressing freight flows throughout Oklahoma.

Asset Management.—The Committee recommends $2,750,000 for

asset management research activities.

Policy.—The Committee recommendation includes $9,200,000, an

increase of $500,000 from the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. Within

the funds provided for this research activity, the Committee has included $500,000 to continue research into possible methods to integrate transportation facilities into communities in rural areas by

the University of Kentucky Academy for Community Transportation Innovation.

Pavements Research.—The Committee recommends $15,750,000

for highway pavement research, including work on asphalt, Portland cement pavement research, polymer additives, and recycled

materials. This is $5,699,000 more than the budget estimate and

$250,000 more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. Within the

funds provided, the Committee has included $1,500,000 for the National Center for Asphalt Technology [NCAT]. The Committee has

also provided $1,000,000 to the Center for Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Technology at Iowa State University; $500,000 to

continue evaluation of GSB–88 emulsified binder treatment application; and $250,000 to the Michigan Technological University Institute for Aggregate Research.

High-Performance/Low Emission Asphalt Test.—The Committee

is concerned that a significant portion of federally-assisted road

construction and maintenance is currently completed without consideration for minimum performance standards, both in terms of

pavement longevity, as well as emissions resulting from the production of asphalt. In an attempt to correct for the shortcomings,

States mandate varying levels of additives for the asphalt resulting

in an overall cost that exceeds that of less modified asphalts that

meet the AASHTO MP–1 performance standard.

The Committee has become aware of recent advancements in

high-quality/low emissions asphalt that produce superior qualities

even when the asphalt product is applied without additives such as

polymers. The Committee believes that large scale testing is warranted and directs FHWA to conduct a high performance/low emission asphalt test research project. The primary objective of this

study is to evaluate asphalt products that meet the minimum specifications for performance grade 76–22 asphalt that conforms to the
61

AASHTO MP–1 specification. In addition, the asphalt(s) used in

this study should achieve the lowest emissions when processed at

hot mix plants, with particular attention paid to: the advantages

achieved by using different types of crude feed (i.e. Boscan Crude

or Altimira Crude); the economic benefits of lower percentages of

additives; the elasticity of the asphalt in varying climatic conditions; and the degree of reduced emissions from current products.

The Committee expects that this project will be conducted over

significant highway mileage in a minimum of three States to study

the economic and performance benefits of using a 76–22 performance grade asphalt that conforms to AASHTO MP–1 and also reduces harmful or unwanted emissions during the production process. The study should be completed according to protocols established by FHWA in conjunction with National Center for Asphalt

Technology [NCAT].

Advanced Research.—The Committee recommendation provides $400,000.

R&T Strategic Planning and Performance Measures.—The Committee has provided $1,000,000 for research and technology strategic planning and performance measures. The Committee anticipates that this level of funding will be sufficient to support planned

strategic planning activities, research outreach, and development

and refinement of performance measures, as required by the Government Performance and Results Act [GPRA].

ITS Standards, Research, Operational Tests, Development, and

Deployment.—The Committee recommends $124,000 for ITS deployment projects and $110,000,000 for ITS research and associated activities in fiscal year 2004 to be allocated in the following

manner:

Research and Development ................................................................................................................................. $52,000,000

Operational Tests ................................................................................................................................................. 10,000,000

Evaluation/Program Policy Assessment ............................................................................................................... 7,000,000

Architecture and Standards ................................................................................................................................. 18,000,000

Program Support .................................................................................................................................................. 11,500,000

Integration ............................................................................................................................................................ 11,500,000

ITS Deployment Incentive Program ...................................................................................................................... 124,000,000

Specified ITS Deployment Projects.—It is the intent of the Committee that the following projects contribute to the integration and

interoperability for intelligent transportation systems in metropolitan and rural areas as provided under section 5208 of TEA21 and

promote deployment of the commercial vehicle intelligent transportation system infrastructure as provided under section 5209 of

TEA21. Funding for deployment activities are to be available as follows:

Project Amount

511 Traveler Information Program, North Carolina ............................................................................................. $400,000

Advanced Ticket Collection and Passenger Information Systems, New Jersey ................................................... 1,500,000

Advanced Traffic Analysis Center, North Dakota ................................................................................................ 500,000

Advanced Transportation Management Systems (AMTS), Montgomery County, Maryland .................................. 1,000,000

ATR Transportation Technology/CVISN, New Mexico ............................................................................................ 1,000,000

Auburn, Auburn Way South ITS, Washington ....................................................................................................... 1,600,000

Cargo Watch Logistics Information System, New York ....................................................................................... 4,000,000

CCTA Intelligent Transportation Systems, Vermont ............................................................................................. 1,000,000

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority: North Orange/South Seminole ITS Enhanced Circulator .... 2,500,000
62

Project Amount

City of Boston Intelligent Transportation Systems, Massachusetts .................................................................... 1,750,000

City of Huntsville, Alabama ITS ........................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

City of Shreveport Intelligent Transportation System Deployment, Louisiana .................................................... 1,000,000

Clark County Transit, VAST ITS, Washington ....................................................................................................... 1,600,000

Dynamic Changeable Message Signs—Urban Interstate System, Iowa ............................................................. 1,000,000

Fiber Optic Signal Interconnect System, Arizona ................................................................................................ 4,000,000

Germantown Parkway ITS Project, Tennessee ...................................................................................................... 3,000,000

GMU ITS, Virginia ................................................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Great Lakes ITS, Michigan ................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce ITS System, Pennsylvania ............................................................ 2,000,000

Hillborough Area Regional Transit Bus Tracking, Communication and Security, Florida .................................. 1,000,000

Hoosier SAFE–T, Indiana ...................................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

I–70 Incident Management Plan, Colorado ......................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Intelligent Transportation Systems—Phases II and III, Ohio ............................................................................. 1,250,000

Intelligent Transportation Systems [ITS] Statewide and Commercial Vehicle Information Systems Network

[CVISN], Maryland ............................................................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Intelligent Transportation Systems, Illinois ......................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Iowa Transit Communications ............................................................................................................................. 1,500,000

ITS Expansion in Davis and Utah Counties, Utah .............................................................................................. 1,250,000

ITS, Cache Valley, Utah ....................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Jacksonville Transportation Authority: Intelligent Transportation Systems Regional Planning, Florida ............. 1,000,000

King County, Countywide Signaling Program, Washington ................................................................................. 1,500,000

Lewis & Clark 511 Coalition, Montana ............................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Lincoln, Nebraska StarTran Automatic Vehicle Location System ........................................................................ 1,000,000

Maine Statewide ITS ............................................................................................................................................ 1,000,000

MARTA Automated Fare Collection/Smart Card System, Georgia ........................................................................ 1,500,000

Mid-America Surface Transportation Weather Research Institute, North Dakota ............................................... 1,000,000

Missouri Statewide Rural ITS ............................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Nebraska Statewide Intelligent Transportation System Deployment ................................................................... 2,000,000

Oklahoma Statewide ITS ...................................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Port of Anchorage Intermodal Facility, Alaska .................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Program of Projects, Washington ........................................................................................................................ 5,400,000

RIPTA ITS Program Phase II, Rhode Island ......................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Real Time Transit Passenger Information System for Prince George’s County Department of Public Works,

Maryland .......................................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Sacramento Area Council of Governments—ITS Projects, California ................................................................. 4,000,000

SCDOT InRoads, South Carolina .......................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Seattle City Center ITS, Washington .................................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Springfield, Missouri Regional ITS ....................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

State of Vermont Interstate Variable Message Signs and Weather Information Stations ................................. 1,000,000

Statewide AVL Initiative, Nebraska ...................................................................................................................... 750,000

TalTran: ITS Smart Bus Implementation, Florida ................................................................................................ 1,500,000

Texas Medical Center Early Warning Transportation System .............................................................................. 2,000,000

Texas Statewide ITS Deployment and Integration ............................................................................................... 1,000,000

Town of Cary: Computerized Traffic Signal System Project, North Carolina ...................................................... 1,600,000

Transportation Research Center [TRC] for Freight, Trade, Security, and Economic Strength, Georgia ............. 1,000,000

Tri-County Automated System Project, University of Southern Mississippi ........................................................ 1,000,000

Tukwila, Signalization Interconnect and Intelligent Transportation, Washington ............................................... 1,400,000

Twin Cities, Minnesota Redundant Communications Pilot ................................................................................. 2,000,000

UAB Center for Injury Sciences, Birmingham, Alabama ..................................................................................... 2,000,000

University of Alaska Transportation Research Center ......................................................................................... 2,000,000

University of Kentucky Transportation Center ..................................................................................................... 1,500,000

University of Oklahoma Intelligent Bridge System Research .............................................................................. 3,000,000

Wisconsin State Patrol Mobile Data Computer Network Phase II ....................................................................... 3,000,000

Wyoming Statewide ITS Initiative ........................................................................................................................ 5,000,000

Illinois ITS.—The Committee provides $4,000,000 to the Illinois

Department of Transportation for Intelligent Transportation Systems grants. The Committee expects IDoT to fund the following

projects: $750,000 to the City of Kankakee for improvements near

Riverside Hospital; $750,000 to the village of Bourbonnais for infrastructure improvements to the Career Center corridor; $750,000 to

the City of Carbondale for Southern Illinois University—

Carbondale’s Materials Technology Center; $500,000 for the village
63

of Franklin Park Grand Avenue project; and $250,000 for the U.S.

30, Whiteside County improvements.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Funds provided for surface transportation projects in fiscal year

2004 shall be available for the following projects in the corresponding amounts:

Project Amount

135th Street Widening and US 69 Northbound Ramp, Kansas .......................................................................... $2,500,000

3-Bridge Corridor Project, Skagit County, Washington ....................................................................................... 800,000

51–43 Connector Canton, Mississippi ................................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Adriaen’s Landing, Hartford, Connecticut ........................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Alaskan Way Viaduct & Seawall, Seattle, Washington ....................................................................................... 1,000,000

Arkwright Connector, South Carolina ................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

BNSF Track Relocation Project, Everett, Washington .......................................................................................... 500,000

Beale Street Landing/Docking Facility—City of Memphis, Tennessee ............................................................... 1,000,000

Bear Creek Greenway, Oregon .............................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

BIA Route 27 Reconstruction, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota .................................................... 3,000,000

Buffalo Outer Harbor Project, New York .............................................................................................................. 5,000,000

Butler County Industrial Infrastructure Development- City of Greenville, Alabama ........................................... 750,000

Byram-Clinton/Norrell Corridor, Mississippi ......................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Cheyenne Corridor Safety Improvement Project in Pocatello, Idaho ................................................................... 1,000,000

City of Crowley’s Historic Parkerson Avenue Redevelopment project, Louisiana ................................................ 1,000,000

Colonial National Historic Park, Jamestown 400th Anniversary Transportation Improvements, Virginia .......... 6,500,000

Commodore Barry Bridge ramps to Chester, Pennsylvania ................................................................................ 1,000,000

Craig Road Improvements, Alaska ...................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Eufaula Main Street Restoration Project, Alabama ............................................................................................. 500,000

Farish Street Historic District Improvements, Mississippi .................................................................................. 500,000

Grandview Triangle Improvements, Missouri ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Highway 19 Expansion, Mississippi ..................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Houston Greater Partnership Quality of Life Initiative, Texas ............................................................................. 500,000

Hydaburg Road Improvements, Alaska ................................................................................................................ 2,000,000

I–15 North, Davis County, Utah .......................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

I–275 to AA Highway Connector, Kentucky ......................................................................................................... 1,500,000

I–40/I–55 Ramp Reconstruction, City of Memphis, Tennessee .......................................................................... 1,000,000

I–73, South Carolina ............................................................................................................................................ 2,000,000

Improvements to I–70/Route 63 Interchange—Columbia, Missouri .................................................................. 1,000,000

Indianapolis Stadium Drive District, Indiana ...................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Industrial Park Access Road Winfield, Alabama ................................................................................................. 500,000

Intermodal Transload Facility, Quincy, Washington ............................................................................................ 2,000,000

John Wright Drive, Alabama ................................................................................................................................ 7,000,000

Jonesboro Transportation and Drainage Planning, Arkansas .............................................................................. 1,000,000

Kentucky TriModal Transpark ............................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Keystone Drive and Related Improvements, Alaska ............................................................................................ 1,500,000

L.L. Tisdale Parkway/Increase Loop, Oklahoma ................................................................................................... 250,000

LA Highway 28, Louisiana ................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park Access Rd., Kellyton, Alabama ............................................................... 500,000

Lexington Bridge Project, Cowlitz County, Washington ....................................................................................... 1,500,000

Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project, Indiana ....................................................................... 1,000,000

M&B Railroad Bridge 46.3 Repair, Alabama ...................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Mahoning and Trumbell Counties—State Route 46, Ohio ................................................................................. 2,000,000

Marine Maintenance Facility Phase I, Manns Harbor, North Carolina ................................................................ 1,000,000

Matanuska-Susitna Road Improvements, Alaska ................................................................................................ 2,000,000

MD 404, Phase II, Maryland ................................................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Montgomery Outer Loop, Alabama ....................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Muncie, Indiana By-Pass ..................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

North Slope Borough Road Improvements, Alaska .............................................................................................. 3,000,000

Paseo de Volca ́ n, Rio Rancho, New Mexico ......................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Pembroke Road Overpass at I–75, Florida .......................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Phalen Boulevard, Minnesota .............................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Phase II, Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority ............................................................................................ 2,000,000

Pittsburg, Kansas Port Authority for the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad ............................................................ 1,500,000

Plough Boulevard Interchange (at Winchester Road)—Memphis, Tennessee .................................................... 2,000,000

Pogue Airport Access Road, Oklahoma ................................................................................................................ 1,000,000
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Project Amount

Pookela Road, Hawaii .......................................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Reconstruct Allen Road, Bennett County, South Dakota ..................................................................................... 2,000,000

Removal of the Old Jamestown Bridge in Rhode Island .................................................................................... 4,450,000

Reno-Stead Railroad Spur, Nevada ..................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Route 11, Connecticut ......................................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Route 12 Corridor, New York ............................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Alabama ...................................................................................................... 500,000

Saddle Road Improvement, Hawaii ...................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

San Juan Boulevard, Bellingham, Washington .................................................................................................... 1,225,000

San Luis II Access Road, Arizona ........................................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Satsop Road Access Improvements, Grays Harbor, Washington ......................................................................... 375,000

Seward Road Improvements, Alaska ................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Ship Creek Improvements, Alaska ....................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Sitka Road Improvements, Alaska ....................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

South Nissan Interchange, Mississippi ............................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Southern Beltway (I–215) Widening and Interchange Project, Nevada .............................................................. 5,000,000

SR 31, All Weather Roadway Construction and Widening, Pend Oreille County, Washington ........................... 1,600,000

Swift Rail Siding Project, Blaine, Washington .................................................................................................... 3,000,000

The Sunrise Corridor, Oregon ............................................................................................................................... 500,000

Towboat Display and Classroom Project, Oklahoma ........................................................................................... 250,000

Town of Dublin, New Hampshire Traffic Calming Project ................................................................................... 300,000

Trunk Highway 610/10, Minnesota ...................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

Tuscaloosa Downtown Revitalization Project, Alabama ...................................................................................... 5,000,000

U.S. 218/Main Street Reconstruction—Phase II, Iowa ....................................................................................... 2,000,000

US 12 Widening, Wallula Junction to Walla Walla, Washington ......................................................................... 3,000,000

US 93 Kalispell Bypass Project, Montana ........................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Widen and Improve Q Street, Nebraska .............................................................................................................. 1,000,000

WV Route 9 .......................................................................................................................................................... 10,000,000

BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $30,798,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 31,568,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 31,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $201,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $300,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics [BTS] was established in

section 6006 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency

Act [ISTEA], to compile, analyze, and make accessible information

on the Nation’s transportation systems, collect information on

intermodal transportation, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of the statistical programs of the Department of Transportation. The Committee has provided $31,000,000 for BTS consistent

with the authorized level.

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $32,000,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 30,000,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 34,000,000,000

The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation of

$34,000,000,000. This level is $4,000,000,000 above the budget request and is necessary to pay outstanding obligations from various

highway accounts pursuant to prior appropriations acts.
65

GENERAL PROVISIONS—FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Section 110 distributes obligation authority among Federal aid

highway programs.

Section 111 provides a specific reduced amount for the FHWA

administrative funds.

Section 112 authorizes funds received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to be credited to the Federal aid highways account.

Section 113 allows historic covered bridges eligible for Federal

assistance to be funded from amounts set aside for the discretionary bridge program.

Section 114 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter

into an agreement with the States of Nevada and/or Arizona to provide a method of funding for construction of a Hoover Dam Bypass

Bridge.

FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

In December 1999, the Congress passed the Motor Carrier Safety

Improvement Act [MCSIA] (Public Law 106–159), which established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]

within the Department of Transportation. Prior to this legislation,

motor carrier safety responsibilities were under the jurisdiction of

the Federal Highway Administration.

The preeminent mission of the FMCSA is to improve the safety

of commercial vehicle operations on the nation’s highways. A primary goal of the agency is to reduce the number of accidents, fatalities, and injuries due to truck accidents. FMCSA resources and

activities contribute to safety in commercial vehicle operations

through enforcement, safety regulation, technological innovation,

improvements in information systems, training, and improvements

to commercial driver’s license testing, record keeping, and sanctions. To achieve these goals, the FMCSA works with Federal,

State, and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry,

and highway safety organizations.

MCSIA and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century

[TEA21] provide funding authorizations for FMCSA, including administrative expenses, motor carrier research and technology, the

national Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program [MCSAP] and

the Information Systems and Strategic Safety Initiatives [ISSSI]

program. FMCSA’s scope was expanded in fiscal year 2003 by the

U.S.A. Patriot Act (Public Law 107–56), which called for new security measures. In addition, both the Fiscal Year 2002 and 2003 Appropriations Acts (Public Law 107–87 and Public Law 108–7) increased funding for border enforcement and safety related activities

associated with implementation of the North American Free Trade

Agreement.

For fiscal year 2004 it is necessary to reauthorize those FMCSA

programs contained in TEA21 and MCSIA. Rather than following

the existing structure, the budget request reflects the administration’s reauthorization proposal. The budget request proposes a new

account structure for FMCSA that consolidates the current programs into two distinct accounts: Motor Carrier Safety Operations
66

& Programs [MCSOP] and Motor Carrier Safety Grants [MCSG].

Administrative expenses would be separated from the Federal-aid

Highway Program administrative takedown mechanism and all

such expenses would be funded within the MCSOP account.

In keeping with the general guidance at the beginning of the report, the Committee has followed the program structure found in

current law for FMCSA and refrained from comment on the proposed restructuring. The Committee recommends a total of

$482,972,000 for FMCSA in fiscal year 2004.

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

The Motor Carrier Safety account provides salaries, operating expenses, research, safety and security program funding for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 [MCSIA] amended section 104(a)(1) of

title 23 to deduct one-third of 1 percent from specified Federal-aid

program funds to fund personnel, and to administer motor carrier

safety programs and motor carrier research. This mechanism is

known as a ‘‘takedown.’’ Because the resulting funding level of

$92,712,176 does not cover current personnel on board, important

safety-related programs, and safety research, the Committee believes that TEA21 and MCSIA did not provide sufficient flexibility

for motor carrier safety funding requirements. The $92,712,176 resulting from the takedown authorized by 23 USC 104(a)(1)(B)

would require reductions to important programs, which could compromise safety. Therefore, the Committee supports raising the administrative takedown percentage to 1.05 percent in order to administer motor carrier safety programs and motor carrier research.

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $116,700,484

Budget estimate, 2004 (limitation) 3 .................................................... ........................... Committee recommendation ................................................................. 292,972,233

1 Reflects reduction of $763,516 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $200,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

3 No funding request under this account for fiscal year 2004.

The Committee has provided a limitation on administrative ex- penses of $292,972,233 for the motor carrier safety account. Of the

total provided, $171,597,233 is for operating expenses, border enforcement program operations, safety/security program expenses,

and new entrant grants; $21,000,000 is for State commercial driver’s license [CDL] program improvement grants; and $21,375,000 is

for research and technology [R&T] initiatives, regulatory development, and other programs. R&T funds are intended to remain

available for obligation for a period of 3 years. Also included within

the limitation is $32,000,000 for the border enforcement program

and $47,000,000 for border station construction.

In its review of the budget justification, the Committee is concerned about the proposed allocation of funds between Federal and

State programs, specifically the growth in the Federal portion of

the national program. The Committee believes that more consideration should be given to State needs. State enforcement officers

have the most frequent contact with industry and have the most
67

direct impact on motor carrier safety. The Committee does not

agree with the budget proposal to significantly increase funding for

FMCSA’s administrative and operations activities at the expense of

the availability of funds to assist State programs.

The following adjustments have been made to the budget request:

Border inspection facilities ................................................................................................................................ ∂$47,000,000

Operating expenses ............................................................................................................................................ ¥3,102,000

PATRIOT Act ........................................................................................................................................................ ¥3,000,000

Regulatory development ..................................................................................................................................... ¥3,000,000

Domestic Motor Carrier Safety.—The Committee reminds

FMCSA that the agency’s safety oversight efforts for domestic

truck traffic should be equal to, if not greater than, those for crossborder traffic. The fact that it takes FMCSA an average of 4 years

to complete a rulemaking and that many regulations have not been

published by their statutory deadlines is evidence that the agency

has much to accomplish in pursuit of its safety mission.

Operating Expenses.—The Committee has reduced the requested amount for base operating expenses by $3,102,000. This reduction

reflects adjustments to the Federal responsibilities for the new entrant program and to the FMCSA information management program. The Committee notes that FMCSA has not adequately justified funding for the information management program.

New Entrant Program.—The administration’s budget request

proposes a total of $33,200,000 for the new entrant program. This

amount includes $16,200,000 for the Federal share of the program

and $17,000,000 for the State share. The Committee is troubled by

the resources that the budget proposes to devote to Federal management and oversight of this new program, particularly considering the broad State interest in participating in the program. The

budget request assumes that 30 percent of States will not be able

to participate and therefore FMCSA will be required to contribute

a larger share of its resources to the new entrant program. However, 46 States have agreed to participate in the program to date.

Due to the overwhelming interest in participating in the program,

the Committee believes that a greater share of the total request

should be provided to the States. To that end, the Committee has

provided $4,456,000, a decrease of $11,744,000 from the budget request, to support the Federal responsibilities of the new entrant

program. The Committee expects that these funds will be used to

provide the appropriate oversight of State safety auditors to ensure

that the program is working effectively and to hire and support

contractor safety auditors for States only when necessary. The

Committee has included a corresponding increase in the State new

entrant grant program funding. The Committee has included funding for State grants for the purposes of administering the new entrant program within the limitation as the current authorization

does not provide the flexibility within the MCSAP program. The

Committee has included bill language to transfer $11,744,000 from

Motor Carrier Safety to the MCSAP program for new entrant

grants to the States.

While full funding has been included for the new entrant program, the Committee is concerned that FMCSA does not have the
68

ability to initiate an efficient and effective new entrant program in

fiscal year 2004. Further, the Committee has seen no definitive

statements from the Administrator that FMCSA will be able to successfully audit each new entrant as required by MCSIA. The Committee therefore directs FMCSA to develop an implementation plan

for the new entrant program. This plan should include a detailed

explanation of measures that will be taken to roll out the new entrant program and what, if any, guidance will be given to safety

auditors in an attempt to prioritize audits of new entrants. FMCSA

shall provide this plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.

PATRIOT Act.—The Committee has not included the funding requested for background checks on CDL operators seeking a hazardous materials endorsement. The Committee understands that

the responsibility for implementation of this provision has been

transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. Therefore

this funding should now be budgeted within the Department of

Homeland Security.

Conditional Carrier Review.—The Committee has included

$2,000,000 to support an increase in conditional carrier reviews.

The Committee notes that there is a backlog of approximately

36,000 carriers that have received a conditional safety rating based

on their safety management controls, frequency of accidents, other

accident indicators, or regulatory compliance measures. The agency

has not conducted timely follow-up audits on these carriers despite

the fact that they pose a risk to safety and require additional attention. The Committee hopes that the additional funding will

allow FMCSA to begin to reduce this backlog.

Household Goods Enforcement.—The Committee recommendation

includes $1,370,000 for household goods enforcement consistent

with the budget request. The Committee is pleased that FMCSA

has devoted additional resources to household goods enforcement

and compliance and expects that the funding will be used to hire

additional investigative staff. With consumer complaints increasing

at an alarming rate, the Committee urges FMCSA to maintain its

dedication to the establishment of a highly visible enforcement program to reduce the number of consumer complaints filed against

household good carriers and brokers and to increase consumer

awareness.

Research and Technology.—The Committee recommends

$7,000,000 for research and technology efforts within FMCSA commensurate with the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The Committee

maintains that it would be beneficial for FMCSA to develop a new

5-year strategic plan setting forth the research objectives of the

program and demonstrating the relationship between proposed research projects and its regulatory agenda. The Committee directs

FMCSA to submit such a plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than June 15, 2004.

Regulatory Development.—The Committee recommends

$8,000,000 for regulatory development expenses, $6,000,000 above

the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. This increase is provided in an

effort to accommodate FMCSA’s regulatory requirements.

The Committee notes that a large majority of the budget request

is devoted to establishing a medical review board and developing
69

various medical examination requirements. The Committee has included funding for enhancement of staff resources to conduct an

improved driver qualification program and to initiate a Medical Review Board. The Committee encourages FMCSA to draw upon the

expertise of the Federal Aviation Administration as it moves forward in establishing a medical registry program. The Committee

urges FMCSA to hire permanent staff physicians to assist the

agency with activities such as the qualification of medical examiners, revision of the medical qualification regulations, provision of

informative medical guidelines and other information on a continuing basis to certified medical examiners, and review of certified

medical qualification exams. These resources will help the agency

implement many of the NTSB recommendations on driver medical

qualifications. The Committee believes that a Medical Review

Board should provide advice and guidance on the program but its

establishment should not come at the expense of the activities mentioned previously. Further, the Committee is concerned that final

regulations have not been issued to specify the purpose and nature

of the medical registry and expects that, given the resources provided, that will occur within 1 year from the date of enactment of

this Act.

Share the Road Safely.—The Committee is concerned that the

Share the Road Safely program has not proven as successful as

originally anticipated. As was sighted in a recent GAO report on

the Share the Road Safely program, many of FMCSA’s initiatives

are clearly contrary to the program’s goals. The Committee believes

that NHTSA is better equipped to administer this program given

its experience with similar campaigns in other areas. The Committee believes that educating the motoring public on how to share

the road safely with commercial motor vehicles is important and is

interested in making this a more effective program. Funding for

the Share the Road Safely program has not been provided in

FMCSA but rather in NHTSA operations and research. The Committee believes that NHTSA should be the lead agency, although

FMCSA should continue to play an important role in the program’s

development and implementation.

Border Enforcement Program.—The North American Free Trade

Agreement [NAFTA] set forth a schedule for implementation of its

trucking provisions that would have opened the border States to

cross-border trucking competition on December 17, 1995 and all of

North America on January 1, 2000. However, the previous administration halted implementation of these provisions and the Department of Transportation announced that until safety concerns about

Mexican trucks were resolved, the trucks would continue to be restricted to the commercial zone just along the border. In the fiscal

year 2002 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act (Public Law 107–87) Congress addressed these concerns by setting 22

safety-related preconditions for opening the border to long-haul

Mexican trucks. On November 27, 2002, the Secretary of Transportation announced that all the preconditions had been met and directed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]

to begin to open the border. However, on January 16, 2003 the

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Public Citizen v. Department of

Transportation [DOT], delayed opening the border pending comple-
70

tion of environmental impact statements and a Clean Air Act conformity determination on the FMCSA’s implementing regulations.

Until the border is open to Mexican-domiciled long-haul trucking,

the Committee encourages FMCSA to use the additional time advantageously and work closely with the States to establish a process that maximizes the effective enforcement and monitoring of

Mexican motor carriers and report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act on the progress that has been made.

The Committee has included a total funding level of $121,908,000 for border related programs consistent with the budget request. The Committee recommends $42,908,000 for FMCSA

personnel stationed at the border, $23,000,000 for State operations

grants to the southern border States, and $9,000,000 to initiate

State operations grants to the northern border States to support

State hazmat enforcement and regulatory compatibility at the

northern border. The Committee has also included $47,000,000 for

the construction of permanent truck safety inspection facilities

along the U.S.-Mexico border.

NATIONAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY PROGRAM

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

(Liquidation of contract authorization)(Limitation on

obligations)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ............................................................................................ $188,765,000 $188,765,000

Budget estimate, 2004 2 ......................................................................................... ................................ ................................

Committee recommendation ................................................................................... 190,000,000 190,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,235,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 No funding requested under this account for fiscal year 2004.

The FMCSA’s National Motor Carrier Safety Program [NMCSP]

was authorized by TEA21 and amended by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. This program consists of two major

areas: the motor carrier safety assistance program [MCSAP] and

the information systems and strategic safety initiatives [ISSSI].

MCSAP provides grants and project funding to States to develop

and implement national programs for the uniform enforcement of

Federal and State rules and regulations concerning motor safety.

The major objective of this program is to reduce the number and

severity of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles. Grants

are made to qualified States for the development of programs to enforce the Federal motor carrier safety and hazardous materials regulations and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. The

basic program is targeted at roadside vehicle safety inspections of

both interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicle traffic.

ISSSI provides funds to develop and enhance data-related motor

carrier programs.

The Committee recommends $190,000,000 in liquidating cash for

this program.

LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS

The Committee recommends a $190,000,000 limitation on obligations for motor carrier safety grants.
71

Crash Causation Study.—The Committee recommends

$1,000,000 for the Large Truck Crash Causation Study consistent

with the budget request. The Committee notes that while MSCIA

authorized $5,000,000 per year, the most expensive task of the

study will be completed in fiscal year 2003 and the funding provided will be used for file building and preliminary analysis for the

Large Truck Crash Causation Study, which will require fewer resources.

Hazmat Tracking System.—Within the funds available for

FMCSA’s high priority initiative program, the Committee provides

$2,000,000 for an expanded satellite-based, mobile communications

system to monitor and track hazardous materials and high-value

cargo in uncovered areas of the United States.

Operation Respond.—Within the funds provided for FMCSA’s

high priority initiatives, the Committee includes $1,000,000 to design, build, and demonstrate the benefits of a seamless hazardous

materials incident detection, management, and response system,

including the expansion of the Operation Respond network of emergency responders and by linking this network with tracking and

automatic crash notification technologies. The Committee urges

that, working with the private sector, these funds be used to establish a national first responder emergency services network and to

accelerate deployment of Operation Respond software.

GENERAL PROVISIONS—FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY

ADMINISTRATION

Section 130 prohibits the use of funds in this act to implement

or enforce any provision of the Final Rule issued on April 16, 2003,

(Docket No. FMCSA–97–2350) as it may apply to operators of utility service vehicles. The Committee believes that operators of utility service vehicles have unique public service responsibilities and

operating characteristics that were not adequately considered or

addressed in the rulemaking.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]

was established as a separate organizational entity in the Department of Transportation in March 1970. It succeeded the National

Highway Safety Bureau, which previously had administered traffic

and highway safety functions as an organizational unit of the Federal Highway Administration.

The agency’s current programs are authorized in four major

laws: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, (chapter 301 of title 49, U.S.C.); (2) the Highway Safety Act, (chapter 4

of title 23, U.S.C.); (3) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings [MVICSA] Act, (Part C of subtitle VI of title 49, U.S.C.); and

(4) the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century [TEA21].

The first law provides for the establishment and enforcement of

safety standards for vehicles and associated equipment and the

conduct of supporting research, including the acquisition of required testing facilities and the operation of the national driver
72

register [NDR]. Discrete authorizations were subsequently established for the NDR under the National Driver Register Act of 1982.

The second law provides for coordinated national highway safety

programs (section 402) to be carried out by the States and for highway safety research, development, and demonstration programs

(section 403). The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–

690) authorized a new drunk driving prevention program (section

410) to make grants to States to implement and enforce drunk

driving prevention programs.

The third law [MVICSA] provides for the establishment of lowspeed collision bumper standards, consumer information activities,

diagnostic inspection demonstration projects, automobile content

labeling, and odometer regulations. An amendment to this law established the Secretary’s responsibility, which was delegated to

NHTSA, for the administration of mandatory automotive fuel economy standards. A 1992 amendment to the MVICSA established

automobile content labeling requirements.

The fourth law, TEA21, must be reauthorized for fiscal year

2004. TEA21 incorporates NHTSA programs including: safety incentives to prevent operation of motor vehicles by intoxicated persons (section 163 of title 23 U.S.C.); seat belt incentive grants (section 157 of title 23 U.S.C.); occupant protection incentive grants

(section 405); and highway safety data improvement incentive

grant program (section 411). The TEA21 structure also provides for

highway safety research, development and demonstration programs

(section 403) to include research measures that may deter drugged

driving, educate the motoring public on how to share the road safely with commercial motor vehicles, and provide vehicle pursuit

training for police. Finally, TEA21 includes a number of motor vehicle safety and information provisions, including rulemaking directions for improving air bag crash protection systems, lobbying restrictions, exemptions from the odometer requirements for classes

or categories of vehicles the Secretary deems appropriate, and adjustments to the automobile domestic content labeling requirements.

In 2000, the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability,

and Documentation [TREAD] Act amended the National Traffic

and Motor Vehicle Safety Act in numerous respects and enacted

many new initiatives. These consist of a number of new motor vehicle safety and information provisions, including a requirement that

manufacturers give NHTSA notice of safety recalls or safety campaigns in foreign countries involving motor vehicles or items of

motor vehicle equipment that are identical or substantially similar

to vehicles or equipment in the United States; higher civil penalties

for violations of the law; a criminal penalty for violations of the

law’s reporting requirements; and a number of rulemaking directions that include developing a dynamic rollover test for light duty

vehicles, updating tire safety and labeling standards, improving the

safety of child restraints, and establishing a child restraint safety

rating consumer information program.

The full range of programs funded by the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration are authorized by the Transportation

Equity Act for the 21st Century [TEA21] and must be reauthorized

for fiscal year 2004. The budget request presented to Congress re-
73

flects the administration’s reauthorization proposal by significantly

restructuring current NHTSA programs.

The proposal creates a consolidated 402 program by merging the

existing incentive grant programs and providing greater flexibility

for States. The new program, as proposed by the budget, significantly reduces the Federal Government’s focus on impaired driving

and seat belt usage at a time when highway fatality rates are increasing. Further, the budget proposal ignores the great strides

that have been made by State mobilizations and paid media initiatives in the areas of impaired driving and occupant protection by

excluding them from the request.

While the budget proposes a total funding level of $447,000,000

for Highway Traffic Safety Grants, an increase of $223,500,000

above the fiscal year 2003 enacted level, a large majority of this

program increase is derived from funding that was previously provided by transfer from the Federal Highway Administration.

Consistent with the general guidance provided in the report, the

Committee has followed the program structure found in TEA21 and

other current law. The Committee recommendation of $448,702,000

provides sufficient funding for the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration to maintain current programs and continue the mobilization and paid media initiatives that have proven so effective

in increasing safety belt use and impaired driving awareness.

The following table summarizes the Committee recommendations:

Program Fiscal year 2003 enacted 1

Fiscal year 2004 estimateCommittee recommendation

Operations and research 2 ................................................................... $208,921,128 $214,510,000 $220,102,000

National driver register ........................................................................ 1,987,000 3,600,000 3,600,000

Highway traffic safety grants .............................................................. 223,537,500 447,000,000 225,000,000

Total ........................................................................................ 434,445,628 665,110,000 448,702,000

1 Reflects reduction of $2,855,372 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Fiscal year 2003 enacted does not reflect reduction of $900,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $210,908,128

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 218,110,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 223,702,000

1Does not reflect reduction of $900,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Reflects reduction of $1,379,872 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Consistent with the guidance provided in the report, for fiscal year 2004, the Committee has provided $72,000,000 for contract

authority from the highway trust fund to finance operations and

research activities eligible under title 23 U.S.C. 403. In accordance

with current law, the Committee has provided $3,600,000 to be derived from the Highway Trust Fund to maintain the National Driver Register. In addition, the administration is requesting

$126,058,000 for activities related to section 30104 and 32102 of

title 49. The Committee has recommended $148,102,000 for these

activities and provided funding under the Federal-aid highway obligation limitation.
74

Share the Road Safely.—The Committee believes that as the

agency with the primary responsibility for behavioral programs

geared toward passenger car drivers that NHTSA, not the Federal

Motor Carrier Safety Administration, can more effectively administer the Share the Road program. Following the GAO report on

the Share the Road program, the Committee expects NHTSA to

work with FMCSA to set clear goals for the program and to promote a more comprehensive and national effort. The goal of educating commercial motor vehicle drivers and motorists of all ages

about how passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers can more

safely share the road is important and should be combined with

local enforcement efforts in order to be truly effective. Further, the

Committee encourages NHTSA to work with FMCSA and State

highway safety representatives to determine the best avenues for

educating both the motoring public and commercial motor vehicle

drivers, including incorporating such information in driver education courses. The Committee has included $500,000 within the

Operations and Research account for these purposes.

The accompanying bill provides appropriations totaling $223,702,000 to be distributed as follows:

Program Committee

recommendation

Salaries and benefits ......................................................................................................................................... $69,050,000

Travel .................................................................................................................................................................. 1,324,000

Operating expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 22,836,000

Contract Programs:

Safety performance ................................................................................................................................... 11,005,000

Safety assurance ....................................................................................................................................... 17,128,000

Highway safety .......................................................................................................................................... 52,982,000

Research and analysis .............................................................................................................................. 65,018,000

General administration ............................................................................................................................. 665,000

Grant administration reimbursement ................................................................................................................ ¥16,306,000

Total ...................................................................................................................................................... 223,702,000

SALARIES AND BENEFITS

Staffing.—The Committee is aware that NHTSA’s current budget

is not sufficient to cover the salaries and benefits for all on-board

FTE and that the budget request for 2004 will fall $2,000,000 short

of the need, funding only 640 of the 670 currently employed FTE.

While the Committee has provided the additional $2,000,000 for

salaries and benefits, it is not without hesitation. The Committee

is concerned with the obvious disconnect between the human resources department and the budget office at NHTSA. It is imperative that those who are responsible for the hiring of new employees

at NHTSA understand the difference between the authorized and

appropriated funding levels. Regardless of these internal difficulties, the Committee believes that NHTSA should have had the policies and procedures in place to prevent such budget problems from

occurring. To that end, the Committee directs NHTSA to develop

an official policy with accompanying procedures, that would require

the NHTSA budget office to review future staffing decisions to ensure that the agency’s appropriated funding levels can adequately

cover the required salary and benefit package to be offered. The

Committee further directs NHTSA to provide a copy of this policy
75

and the accompanying procedures to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 30 days after enactment

of this Act.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Workforce Planning and Development.—NHTSA established this

program in fiscal year 2001 in an effort to encourage young professionals to enter into the fields of engineering, research, science and

technology, vehicle safety and injury. The Committee recognizes

the agency’s desire to build a base for future employment but notes

that the challenges of attrition in the transportation workforce are

not unique to NHTSA. The Committee believes that this type of

workforce planning should be done throughout the entire Department of Transportation and should be coordinated by the office of

the Assistant Secretary for Administration. Accordingly, the Committee has not included the requested funding to support the initiative.

Highway Safety Oversight.—The Committee is greatly concerned

about the April 2003 report by the General Accounting Office

[GAO] regarding NHTSA’s oversight of State highway safety programs. NHTSA utilizes a performance-based oversight program

whereby each State sets its own performance goals and develops

annual safety plans to meet those goals. The GAO found that

NHTSA’s use of management reviews of State highway plans varied greatly from region to region. In some regions, management reviews are conducted every other year while in other regions management reviews are conducted only when requested by a State.

Additionally, when a State fails to make progress toward its performance goals, NHTSA has required the development and implementation of improvement plans to help address safety program

deficiencies. Again, the GAO found that NHTSA’s requirement and

use of improvement plans varied from region to region. The Committee directs NHTSA, in coordination with the agency’s regional

offices, to develop a clear policy as to when a management review

is conducted and what specific criteria would necessitate an improvement plan. This policy should be applied consistently in each

region so that every State safety program knows when to expect a

management review and under what circumstances an improvement plan will be required. The Committee believes that this effort

should provide additional assistance to the States that fail to meet

their safety performance goals and is not, by any means, intended

to punish the States that meet their safety performance goals. The

Committee directs NHTSA to submit a copy of this policy to the

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 30,

2004.

Training and Technical Assistance to States.—The goal of improving safety on our Nation’s roads and reducing the number of

highway fatalities is shared by NHTSA, FMCSA, and the State

highway safety offices. The Committee recognizes the importance

and value of providing adequate training and technical assistance

to the States so that they have the best chance of meeting their

safety performance goals. As such, the Committee urges NHTSA to

conduct a comprehensive review of the agency’s training programs

including an evaluation of other models (such as the National
76

Highway Institute) and different media for improving the professional capabilities of State grantees (such as video, internet or

classroom training). In addition, the Committee directs NHTSA to

develop and implement two new State training courses. One course

should be designed to strengthen the ability of State highway safety offices to analyze data and identify State and local behavioral

highway safety programs. The second training course should provide hands-on experience for State highway safety offices on how

to conduct evaluations or reviews of program performance. Within

the funds provided for NHTSA’s Operating Expenses, the Committee includes $200,000 for these efforts.

CONTRACT PROGRAMS

Survey of State Data Systems.—Traffic record systems in each

State are used to collect data on crashes, driver licensing, vehicle

registration, traffic violations, and roadway characteristics. The

Committee has been made aware that the sophistication and capabilities of these traffic safety data systems vary from State to State.

Therefore, the Committee directs the General Accounting Office

[GAO] to conduct a survey of State data systems to determine the

scope and nature of these systems and identify opportunities for

improvement. The Committee encourages GAO to utilize NHTSA’s

Checklist for State Traffic Safety Information Systems in conducting the survey and to report its findings to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees by August 15, 2004.

Consumer Safety Information Study and Report.—Providing consumers with accurate safety information about motor vehicle testing programs is a vital government responsibility. Testing results

from the Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program [NCAP] enable consumers to make informed choices when

purchasing a new motor vehicle. NCAP uses a star system to rate

the safety benefits of a number of different aspects of vehicle safety; however, the star system may not adequately communicate to

the public important and relevant safety information. The Committee believes that accurate, comprehensive, and understandable

consumer information is an important mission of NHTSA and directs the General Accounting Office [GAO] to study and evaluate

the NCAP star rating system and to report the accuracy of the system, how it can be improved, and whether an alternative symbol

or rating scheme may be more appropriate in communicating vehicle testing results to the public. The GAO should compare methods

used in NCAP to convey test results with the methods used by testing programs in other countries and by private organizations that

conduct and publicly report vehicle safety test results in order to

best evaluate the existing NCAP ratings system. The report shall

be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than June 30, 2004.

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends the following adjustments to the

budget request:

Occupant protection: Outreach initiatives to increase belt use ....................................................................... ∂$3,000,000

Emergency medical services .............................................................................................................................. ∂1,000,000
77

Impaired driving ................................................................................................................................................. ∂4,500,000

Judicial/prosecutorial initiative ................................................................................................................. (1,500,000)

Repeat offender tracking model ............................................................................................................... (2,000,000)

Target population outreach ....................................................................................................................... (1,000,000)

Motorcycle safety ................................................................................................................................................ ∂94,000

National Occupant Protection Program.—The stated objectives of

NHTSA’s occupant protection program are to increase seat belt use

and decrease the number of child occupant fatalities. Over the last

several years, NHTSA has set aggressive goals for achieving seat

belt use across the nation since each percentage point increase in

seat belt use saves approximately 226 lives and prevents over 3,700

injuries each year. The Committee believes that NHTSA must continue to be vigilant and creative in its efforts to increase national

seat belt use; particularly for those targeted groups that are highrisk and often difficult to reach. The Committee recommends

$14,373,000 for NHTSA’s occupant protection efforts which is

$3,000,000 more than the President’s budget request. The Committee directs that these additional funds be used to continue the

outreach activities toward minority populations, teens and rural

populations. To further supplement NHTSA’s overall seat belt efforts, the Committee has included bill language to continue the

public service message program started in fiscal year 2002. A more

detailed discussion of this program is included in the NHTSA bill

language section of this report.

Impaired Driving.—The Committee is concerned about the lack

of progress that is being made to reduce the number of alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities. However, NHTSA’s final 2002 data

provided by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System [FARS] for alcohol-related fatalities revealed that the increase in the number of

fatalities from 2001 was much smaller than the early assessment

indicated. While the Committee is relieved that the early data on

alcohol-related deaths was overstated, the Committee is likewise

concerned about the wide discrepancy between the early and final

FARS data. As such, the Committee intends to closely monitor the

collection and presentation of the FARS data. Nonetheless, the

2002 FARS data does demonstrate that there was an increase in

the number of alcohol-related fatalities for the third consecutive

year. The Committee believes that this is a disturbing trend and

one that NHTSA should not ignore. Alcohol-related crashes also

cause an estimated 250,000 injuries and cost society over

$45,000,000,000 every year. Again, as in the case of NHTSA’s occupant protection program, the fiscal year 2003 budget reduced

NHTSA’s impaired driving core program by 26 percent at a time

when alcohol-related fatalities are increasing. The Committee recommends $15,426,000 for NHTSA’s impaired driving program,

$4,500,000 more than the President’s budget request.

Judicial and Prosecutorial Awareness.—The Committee has provided $1,500,000 for judicial and prosecutorial reform. The Committee recognizes that the deadline for presentation of the detailed

analysis required by the fiscal year 2003 Appropriations Act is October 1, 2003. The Committee is most interested in the guidance

that the report will provide for improving judicial and prosecutorial

training, outreach, and adherence to State standards of conduct.

The Committee believes that this is a worthwhile endeavor for
78

NHTSA; however the Committee prohibits the expenditure of these

funds until a final report is submitted to the House and Senate

Committees on Appropriations including a detailed proposal and

spending plan for outreach activities in this area.

Tracking Repeat Offenders.—The Committee includes $2,000,000

within NHTSA’s impaired driving program to expedite the development and expand the testing of the model ‘‘Driver History Information Records System for Impaired Driving.’’ This tracking system is

designed to assist States and local communities in the exchange of

timely information regarding prior impaired driving offenses and to

transmit conviction and license suspension notices among law enforcement officials, the courts and driver licensing agencies.

Impaired Driving and Targeted Populations.—The Committee is

concerned that there continues to be certain segments of the population that are over represented in alcohol-related motor vehicle

crashes. For example, male drivers between the ages of 21 and 34

represent the highest percentage of alcohol-related fatalities. The

Committee strongly believes that NHTSA must continue to vigorously pursue strategies to reduce impaired driving among the age

groups and ethnic populations that represent the highest risk.

Within the funds provided for NHTSA’s impaired driving program,

the Committee includes $1,000,000 to increase the outreach efforts

within these targeted populations. Further, the Committee directs

NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than 90 days after enactment of this act, detailing the strategies and activities that will be utilized.

Theme for Impaired Driving.—The Committee is aware that

NHTSA has utilized ‘‘You Drink and Drive. You Lose’’ as the theme

for the agency’s impaired driving mobilization effort. However, the

Committee has noted that there are a variety of themes used by

different States to send the message that drunk drivers are not

only a peril on the road but will face serious legal consequences if

apprehended by law enforcement. The Committee encourages

NHTSA to consult with the relevant safety organizations and State

highway safety offices to explore whether there is a theme that is

more fitting than the impaired driving theme currently used by

NHTSA. The Committee directs NHTSA to submit its findings and

recommendations in correspondence to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by January 30, 2004.

Highway Safety Research.—The Committee includes $7,238,000

for NHTSA’s highway safety research program. Within the funds

provided, the Committee includes $750,000 to support transportation safety research at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical

University to focus on aggressive driving, road rage, speed control,

occupant protection and alcohol impaired driving countermeasures,

and reducing the severity of traffic injuries among youth and

adults.

Emergency Medical Services.—The Committee recommends

$3,226,000 for emergency medical services. Within the funds provided, the Committee includes $1,000,000 to continue training EMS

personnel in delivering pre-hospital care to patients with traumatic

brain injuries. Since this program’s inception in 1998, it is estimated that nearly 31 States will have received the training and

educational material and over 1,600 in-state instructors will have
79

received training. The Committee urges NHTSA to continue this

national rollout with the Brain Trauma Foundation and its Centers

of Excellence. Just as it is important for EMS personnel to receive

proper training to care for the critically injured, it is equally important that first responders have the tools necessary to locate the injured as quickly as possible. There have been a number of highly

publicized cases of crash victims who were stranded for extended

periods of time because their vehicles were not easily located. Advanced location technology associated with wireless E 9–1–1 can

assist law enforcement and EMS personnel in reaching victims

quickly. The Committee has also included $1,000,000 within the

total amount for research at the USA Center for the study of Rural

Vehicular Trauma.

Motorcycle Safety.—The Committee provides $750,000 for

NHTSA’s motorcycle safety efforts. The Committee remains concerned with the upward trend in the number of motorcycle fatalities. The Committee has provided increased funding to further assist in the implementation of the urgent and essential recommendations included in the National Agenda for Motorcycle

Safety. Further, the Committee urges NHTSA to focus on strategies to reduce the alarming numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

National Automotive Sampling System.—The Committee provides $12,000,000 for the National Automotive Sampling System

[NASS]. The NASS General Estimates System data assists in assessing the trend and magnitude of the crash situation in this

country, and the NASS Crashworthiness Data System provides

more in-depth and descriptive data allowing NHTSA to quantify

the relationships between the occupants and vehicles in the realworld crash environment.

Biomechanical Research.—The Committee provides a total of

$14,750,000 for biomechanics research. The Committee’s recommendation includes necessary resources for the continued research of the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network program. Within the funds provided, the Committee includes

$2,000,000 to continue research related to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries caused by motor vehicle, motorcycle, and bicycle

accidents at the Southern Consortium for Injury Biomechanics, and

$1,000,000 to support a joint research initiative between the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine [UVM], Texas A&M University and Fletcher Allen Health Care that will assist victims of

automobile accidents in rural areas to determine the capabilities

and outcomes of advanced mobile telecommunications links.

Truck Brake Lining Friction.—The report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2002 Transportation Appropriations Act provided $300,000

for research into the rating of brake lining friction in order to facilitate a rulemaking in this area. The Committee is interested in the

progress that NHTSA has made with respect to truck brake lining

systems and directs the agency to provide to the Committee a written report detailing the findings of the study to date and what, if

any, progress has been made with respect to a rulemaking. This in-
80

formation should be presented to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than December 15, 2003.

Traffic Records and Driver Licensing.—Within the funds provided for NHTSA’s traffic records and driver licensing program, the

Committee has included $1,000,000 for the digital watermarking

technology pilot program to demonstrate the ability to provide covert, machine readable authentication capabilities in driver licenses

to enable law enforcement to easily determine the authenticity of

State-issued IDs used for driving automobiles.

Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Study.—The Committee has provided $7,000,000 to support the crash causation study, $3,000,000

less than the budget request due to the delay in beginning the

multi-year effort in fiscal year 2003. However, because this study

also involves an examination of vehicle-related parameters, the

Committee has provided NHTSA the flexibility to use research and

analysis funds as may be necessary to support the study.

NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 .......................................................................... $1,987,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,600,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,600,000

1 Reflects reduction of $13,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The National Driver Register [NDRS] is a central repository of

information on individuals whose licenses to operate a motor vehicle have been revoked, suspended, canceled, or denied. The NDR

also contains information on persons who have been convicted of

serious traffic-related violations such as driving while impaired by

alcohol or other drugs. State driver licensing officials query the

NDR when individuals apply for a license, for the purpose of determining whether driving privileges have been withdrawn by other

States. Other organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration also use NDR license data in hiring and certification decisions in overall U.S.

transportation operations.

The bill includes $3,600,000 for the NDR which is an increase of

$1,600,000 over the fiscal year 2003 authorized level. The Committee recognizes the reauthorization proposal includes a significant expansion of the NDR and has provided additional resources

so that NHTSA may begin to expand the NDR as proposed in the

pending reauthorization legislation.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $223,537,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 447,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 225,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,462,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

For fiscal year 2004 the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st

Century must be reauthorized. Consistent with the general guid-
81

ance provided in the report, the Committee has followed the structure provided in TEA21 which authorizes the following State grant

programs: the Highway Safety Program, the Alcohol-Impaired

Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grant Program and the Occupant Protection Incentive Grant Program. Under the Highway

Safety Program, grant allocations are determined on the basis of a

statutory formula established under 20 U.S.C. 402. Individual

States use this funding in national priority areas established by

Congress which have the greatest potential for achieving safety improvements and reducing traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries.

The national occupant protection survey is also funded from within

this amount. The Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grant Program encourages States to enact stiffer laws and

implement stronger programs to detect and remove impaired drivers from the roads. The Occupant Protection Program encourages

States to promote and strengthen occupant protection initiatives.

The State Highway Safety Data Grants Program encourages States

to improve their collection and dissemination of important highway

safety data.

The Committee recommends an appropriation for liquidation of contract authorization of $225,000,000 for the payment of obligations incurred in carrying out provisions of these grant programs.

The Committee has continued a provision prohibiting the use of

section 402 funds for construction, rehabilitation or remodeling

costs, or for office furnishings and fixtures for State, local, or private buildings or structures.

LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS

The bill includes language limiting the obligations to be incurred

under the various highway traffic safety grants programs. Separate

obligation limitations are included in the bill with the following

funding allocations:

Fiscal year 2003 enacted 1Fiscal year 2004 estimateCommittee recommendation

Highway safety programs ................................................................ $163,537,500 $387,000,000 $165,000,000

Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures grants ......................... 40,000,000 ............................ 40,000,000

Occupant protection incentive grants ............................................. 20,000,000 ............................ 20,000,000

Section 412 State highway safety data grants .............................. ............................ 50,000,000 0

Emergency Medical Services ............................................................ ............................ 10,000,000 0

Total ........................................................................................ 223,537,500 447,000,000 225,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,462,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Safety Belt Usage.—The Committee is pleased that the most recent National Occupant Protection Use Survey [NOPUS] shows

that safety belt usage in the United States has reached 79 percent—the highest level in the Nation’s history. Following NHTSA’s

massive ‘‘Click It or Ticket’’ mobilization in May, the survey

showed that every region of the country registered an increase in

belt use over the previous year. The May enforcement campaign

was an extraordinary nationwide effort supported by national,

State and local governments which should translate into more than

1,000 lives saved this year. The Committee is pleased that the

funding that has been provided for the ‘‘Click It or Ticket’’ campaign and the accompanying public safety messages is proving ef-
82

fective in increasing usage rates but believes that NHTSA’s work

in this area is not done. The Committee encourages NHTSA to

build upon its successes and continue to work with State and local

governments to further increase seat belt usage rates in 2004.

Public Safety Messages.—The bill contains a provision (sec. 140)

extending the authority for States to use traffic safety grant funds

under Section 402 to produce and place highway safety public service messages in television, radio, cinema, print media and on the

Internet. The Committee continues a provision that was included

in the fiscal year 2002 and 2003 Acts which designated safety belt

use innovative grant funds to be used for public safety messages

and evaluation to support the Operation ABC (America Buckles up

Children) mobilizations that are conducted each year in May and

November. In 2003, NHTSA again used this funding to support

State high-visibility ‘‘Click It or Ticket’’ enforcement programs and

bolstered these programs with more than $20,000,000 in targeted

State and national advertising. The 2003 campaign specifically targets young drivers who are at higher risk of being in a car crash

and less likely to use seat belts than other age groups. While the

Nation’s seat belt usage stands at 79 percent, it is much lower, just

69 percent, among teens and young adults. These numbers are extremely troubling and the Committee applauds NHTSA’s efforts to

reach out to this and other target populations whose seat belt

usage rates are below the national average.

The Committee believes that this program must be continued in

order to achieve its full potential in saving lives and reducing injuries. The Committee has again included bill language providing

$10,000,000 from the seat belt grant program to be used consistent

with current practice and as directed by the NHTSA Administrator

for broadcast advertising to support national law enforcement mobilizations aimed at increasing seat belt use.

Just as high visibility enforcement programs have proven so effective in increasing seat belt use, research has also concluded that

sobriety checkpoints are highly effective in reducing alcohol-related

traffic fatalities and injuries. NHTSA’s own survey has indicated

that 4 out of 5 Americans support increased enforcement and

tougher laws to protect themselves and their families from impaired drivers.

The Committee is concerned that the number of alcohol-related

fatalities has continued to increase in recent years and recognizes

the difficulties in reducing the overall number of impaired drivers.

The Committee believes that NHTSA should take a more proactive

role in working with States to recognize and develop new and innovative measures that target impaired drivers. For fiscal year 2004,

the Committee has included bill language providing $20,000,000

from the impaired driving grant program to be used as directed by

the NHTSA Administrator for broadcast advertising to support national law enforcement mobilizations aimed at controlling impaired

driving. It is the Committee’s intent that these funds support at

least two national mobilizations during the year, and that NHTSA

work on these initiatives with the States and non-profit safety organizations that have been active in conducting recent mobilizations. Further, the Committee has specified that no less than

$2,750,000 be provided to the States to ensure that they have ade-
83

quate resources for impaired driving enforcement activities as part

of the mobilizations. The Committee has also included $250,000 so

that NHTSA may continue the comprehensive evaluation of these

activities.

In an effort to better understand and address the shortfalls in

our Nation’s impaired driving efforts, the Committee has provided

$3,000,000 to conduct a limited demonstration project to test new

and improved strategies in those States where the largest gains in

reducing alcohol-related fatalities can be made and where the commitment exists to assess challenges and implement solutions. The

demonstration should include a comprehensive assessment of the

impaired driving program in each participating State, the development of a strategic plan to address identified challenges, and the

allocation of resources and technical assistance to reduce constraints. For example, State-specific efforts may be undertaken to

advance more effective enforcement strategies, increase compliance

with underage drinking laws, improve judicial and prosecutorial

training, and/or improve traffic records.

GENERAL PROVISIONS—NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY

ADMINISTRATION

Section 140 allows States to use funds provided under section

402 of title 23, U.S.C. to produce and place highway safety public

service messages related to seat belt usage and impaired driving.

The provision allocates $10,000,000 for the purpose of national paid

media to support national safety belt mobilizations under Section

157 and a total of $20,000,000 under Section 163 to include:

$2,750,000 to support State impaired driving mobilization enforcement efforts, $14,000,000 for paid media to support national law

enforcement mobilizations on impaired driving, and $250,000 for

continued evaluation of alcohol-impaired driving messages. In addition the Committee expects that $3,000,000 from the 163 program

be dedicated to an impaired driving demonstration program.

Section 141 prohibits the transfer of funds from NHTSA to the

FMCSA for the purposes of carrying out the Share the Road Safely

program.

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

The Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] became an operating

administration within the Department of Transportation on April

1, 1967. It incorporated the Bureau of Railroad Safety from the

Interstate Commerce Commission, the Office of High Speed Ground

Transportation from the Department of Commerce, and the Alaska

Railroad from the Department of the Interior. The Federal Railroad

Administration is responsible for planning, developing, and administering programs to achieve safe operating and mechanical practices in the railroad industry. Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and other financial assistance programs to rehabilitate and improve the railroad industry’s physical

infrastructure are also administered by the Federal Railroad Administration.
84

The Committee recommends $1,119,400,000 for the activities of

the Federal Railroad Administration for fiscal year 2004.

The following table summarizes the Committee recommendations:

Program

Fiscal year—

Committee recommendation 2003 enacted 2004 budget estimate

Safety and operations 1 2 ................................................................... $116,600,141 $131,175,000 $130,825,000

Railroad research and development 3 ............................................... 29,134,388 35,025,000 34,225,000

Next generation high-speed rail 4 ...................................................... 30,252,075 23,200,000 29,350,000

Alaska Railroad rehabilitation 5 ......................................................... 21,857,000 .......................... 25,000,000

Grants to National Railroad Passenger Corporation 6 ....................... 1,043,175,000 900,000,000 1,346,000,000

Total budgetary resources .................................................... 1,260,888,604 1,089,400,000 1,568,400,000

1 Reflects reductions of $762,859 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $300,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

3 Reflects reduction of $190,612 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

4 Reflects reduction of $197,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

5 Reflects reduction of $143,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

6 Reflects reduction of $6,825,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $116,600,141

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 131,175,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 130,825,000

1 Reflects reduction of $762,859 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $300,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Safety and Operations account provides support for FRA rail

safety activities and all other administrative and operating activities related to staff and programs.

The Committee recommends $130,825,000 for Safety and Operations for fiscal year 2004. This level of funding is $14,225,000

more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The Committee recommendation has denied the request of $350,000 for workforce

planning.

Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety.—The Committee reminds the Secretary of Transportation of its request for an update

of the agency’s highway-railroad grade crossing safety action plan.

The Committee expects the plan to include input from FRA,

FHWA, FMCSA, NHTSA, and the ITS Joint Program Office and

should be submitted with the fiscal year 2005 budget justification.

RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $29,134,388

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 35,025,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 34,225,000

1 Reflects reduction of $190,612 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Research and

Development Program provides for research in the development of

safety and performance standards for high-speed rail and the evaluation of their role in the Nation’s transportation infrastructure.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $34,225,000 for

railroad research and development. Within the funds provided,

$2,000,000 is for Marshall University and the University of Nebraska for safety research programs in rail equipment, human factors, track, and rail safety related issues.
85

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends the following funding levels for the

Railroad research and development programs:

Railroad System Issues ........................................................................................................................................ $3,225,000

Human Factors ..................................................................................................................................................... 3,678,000

Rolling Stock and Components ............................................................................................................................ 2,587,000

Track and Structures ........................................................................................................................................... 4,125,000

Track and Train Interaction ................................................................................................................................. 3,350,000

Train Control ........................................................................................................................................................ 950,000

Grade Crossings ................................................................................................................................................... 1,435,000

Hazardous Materials Transportation .................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Train Occupant Protection ................................................................................................................................... 6,450,000

R&D Facilities and Test Equipment .................................................................................................................... 1,425,000

NDGPS .................................................................................................................................................................. 6,000,000

Track and Structures.—The Committee provides $4,125,000 for

FRA’s track and structures research efforts. Track and structures

provides for research in inspection techniques, material and component reliability, track and structure design and performance, and

track stability data processing and feedback. Within the funds provided, the Committee includes $250,000 for structural integrity research utilizing glass fiber reinforced polymers on railroad ties at

WVU’s Constructed Facility Center.

NDGPS.—The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000

for the continued installation and operation of the Nationwide

NDGPS Network system. The Committee is aware that roughly 34

sites have been funded to date and that there are 36 more sites in

the lower 48 contiguous States and 15 sites in Alaska that are

planned. In addition, the Committee understands that nearly

$4,000,000 of the funds provided will be directed toward the maintenance and operation of the existing sites which leaves only

$2,800,000 for new site installations. The Committee encourages

the Department to evaluate the benefit derived from expediting the

installation of the remaining sites and whether greater funds are

justified for new site installations in future budget justifications.

RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

Section 502 of Public Law 94–210, as amended authorizes obligation guarantees for meeting the long-term capital needs of private

railroads. Railroads utilize this funding mechanism to finance

major new facilities and rehabilitation or consolidation of current

facilities. No appropriations or new loan guarantee commitments

are proposed in fiscal year 2004.

The Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program, as

established in section 7203 of the Transportation Equity Act for the

21st Century [TEA21], will enable the Secretary of Transportation

to provide loans and loan guarantees to State and local governments, Government-sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads and joint ventures to acquire, improve, or rehabilitate intermodal or rail equipment or facilities, including track, bridges,

yards, and shops.
86

NEXT GENERATION HIGH-SPEED RAIL

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $30,252,075

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 23,200,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 29,350,000

1 Reflects reduction of $197,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee has provided $29,350,000 in general fund appropriations for the High-Speed Ground Transportation [HSGT] Program. This amount is $6,150,000 above the budget request.

The Committee first provided funding for the Next Generation

High-Speed Rail [NGHSR] Program in fiscal year 1995. The program funds high-speed rail research, development, and technology

demonstration programs to foster high-speed passenger service on

rail corridors throughout the country.

The Committee recommends the following funding levels for the

Next Generation High-Speed Rail Programs:

High-speed train control systems ........................................................................................................................ $10,000,000

High-speed non-electric locomotives ................................................................................................................... ........................

Grade crossing hazard mitigation/Low-cost innovative technologies ................................................................. 6,850,000

Track and structures technology ......................................................................................................................... ........................

Corridor planning ................................................................................................................................................. 7,500,000

Magnetic levitation .............................................................................................................................................. 5,000,000

High-Speed Train Control Systems.—The Committee recommendation includes $9,000,000 for the North American Joint

PTC project.

Non-electric Locomotive.—Over the last several years, the Committee has provided $26,000,000 for the development of a turbineelectric locomotive [TEL] that is capable of achieving higher speeds

on corridors outside of the Northeast Corridor. While the TEL has

been tested extensively at the Transportation Technology Center in

Pueblo, Colorado in 2001 and was tested in cold weather operations

in Canada earlier this year, the Committee is concerned that the

locomotive has not been demonstrated yet on U.S. high speed corridors. In addition, the Committee understands that the TEL is not

compatible with a variety of passenger cars and is therefore limited

in where it can be demonstrated. The Committee denies the funding for the non-electric locomotive until the FRA provides a plan

detailing where and when the non-electric locomotive will be demonstrated.

Advanced Locomotive Propulsion System [ALPS].—The Committee denies funding for the ALPS program due to concerns raised

by the Transportation Research Board [TRB] regarding the technical as well as schedule and budget risks associated with ALPS.

In an effort to ensure that the benefits of this project outweigh the

risks, the Committee directs FRA to establish a firm timetable, as

recommended by TRB, for the conclusion of the advanced locomotive propulsion systems project.

Grade Crossing Hazard Mitigation/Low-cost Innovative Technologies.—The Committee recommends $6,850,000 for grade crossing hazard mitigation and low-cost innovative technology initiatives.

Within the funds provided, the Committee includes the following

allocations:
87

Springfield, Missouri grade reconfiguration study .............................................................................................. $1,000,000

Anchorage C Street corridor grade crossing ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000

KBS Railroad hazard elimination, Kankakee, IL .................................................................................................. 500,000

NC Pedestrian Crossing Safety Pilot: Clayton Grade Separation ........................................................................ 1,000,000

Ohio Statewide Highway-Rail Crossing Barrier Gates ......................................................................................... 600,000

Corridor Planning.—The Committee includes $7,500,000 for passenger rail corridor planning. Within the funds provided, the Committee includes the following allocations:

Florida High Speed Rail Corridor Study ............................................................................................................... $5,000,000

Gulf Coast High Speed Rail Corridor Study ........................................................................................................ 1,500,000

Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor Study .......................................................................................................... 750,000

Midwest Regional Rail Planning and Engineering Study .................................................................................... 250,000

Magnetic Levitation Transportation.—A total of $5,000,000 has

been provided for magnetic levitation activities to be distributed as

follows:

Southern California Maglev ................................................................................................................................. $1,000,000

California-Nevada Interstate Maglev Project ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Pittsburgh-Greensburgh, Pennsylvania Maglev Deployment Project ................................................................... 2,000,000

Washington-Baltimore Maglev Deployment Project ............................................................................................. 1,000,000

Rail-Highway Crossing Hazard Eliminations.—The Committee

recommendation assumes that section 1103 of the Transportation

Equity Act for the 21st Century [TEA21] will be ccontinued and

provides $5,250,000 for the elimination of rail-highway crossing

hazards. Of these set-aside funds, the following allocations are

made:

Grade Separation of CSX/US 90 at Hamilton Boulevard, Mobile, AL ................................................................. $2,250,000

Washington State high speed rail corridor grade crossing project .................................................................... 1,250,000

Wisconsin Railway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination Project ..................................................................... 500,000

ALASKA RAILROAD REHABILITATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $21,857,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 25,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $143,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee has included $25,000,000 for rail safety and infrastructure improvements benefiting passenger operations of the

Alaska Railroad. This railroad extends 498 miles from Seward

through Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, to the city of Fairbanks, and east to the town of North Pole and Eielson Air Force

Base. It carries both passengers and freight, and provides a critical

transportation link for passengers and cargo traveling through difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions.

GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

(AMTRAK)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,043,175,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 1,050,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,346,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $6,825,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.
88

The National Passenger Railroad Corporation, or Amtrak, is a

federally chartered for-profit public corporation created by Congress in 1970 to relieve railroad companies of their money-losing

passenger operations while maintaining passenger rail service in

the United States. At that time, rail passenger ridership had been

in decline since the 1920s, due to competition from automobile and

airplane travel. The legislation creating Amtrak did not address

the underlying reasons for the long-term decline of ridership and

as a result, passenger rail service under Amtrak has continued a

money-losing record that began in the 1930s.

Amtrak has run a deficit every year since its creation despite earning around $1,000,000,000 annually in revenue from passenger

fares and receiving over $35,000,000,000 in assistance from the

Federal Government to cover its deficits during that period. Because Amtrak does not earn enough revenue to cover its costs, it

is regularly on the verge of insolvency. It has become abundantly

clear over the years that Amtrak has an insatiable appetite for

cash and, absent additional oversight and controls requiring strict

adherence to a specific budget, Amtrak will never bring spending

in line with revenues on its own accord.

While the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 [ARAA]

(Public Law 105–134, December 2, 1997) attempted to reign in Amtrak’s spending by requiring it to operate by the end of fiscal year

2002 without using Federal grant funds to cover operating expenses, the law has proven to be a miserable failure. ARAA has

now expired and Amtrak is still no closer to any measure of selfsufficiency or economic viability than in 1997 when the legislation

was enacted. It is clear that Amtrak has progressively become more

dependent—not less—on an annual Federal appropriation. The

Committee believes, however that a mere infusion of funds will not

cure Amtrak’s ailments. The only cure for Amtrak’s maladies is

fundamental far-reaching reforms. As Amtrak proponents and opponents await consideration of legislation to reauthorize Amtrak,

the Committee believes that mind-sets must change such that both

the Federal Government and Amtrak have clearly defined roles, expectations, and goals.

In fiscal year 2003, Congress provided Amtrak $1,043,175,000

and included a $105,000,000 loan repayment extension (Public Law

108–7). In an attempt to better understand Amtrak’s financial

shortcomings, the Act made a significant change in policy by providing funding directly to the Secretary of Transportation, who was

charged with providing the funds to Amtrak on a quarterly basis

through the grant-making process. The fiscal year 2003 Appropriations Act also included a number of reporting requirements, directed Amtrak to submit capital and operating plans, and prohibited the expenditure of funds on projects not included in Amtrak’s

business plan. It was the Congress’ expectation that these reforms

would bring Amtrak’s finances into public view in an attempt to

provide Congress and the Department of Transportation the necessary resources to provide much needed oversight, considering the

Federal Government’s significant investment.

In fiscal year 2003, for the first time in several years, Amtrak

did not threaten to shut down despite operating under these new

requirements. The Committee considers this as a modest but posi-
89

tive step in overall Amtrak reform and has retained the requirements for fiscal year 2004 with some modification.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

For fiscal year 2004, the Committee has provided $1,346,000,000.

The Committee has included bill language to maintain the requirements enacted in Public Law 108–7 with a revision to the grant approval process. The Committee gives the Secretary the flexibility to

allocate funds to either operating or capital subsidies. The Committee expects that the Secretary, through the designated grant

process, will assist Amtrak in allocating these funds in the most

appropriate manner in an effort to maximize efficiencies. The Secretary is directed to ensure that Amtrak continues to meet all debt

principal and interest payments in fiscal year 2004.

Revision of Secretarial Approval Process for Amtrak Train

Routes.—The fiscal year 2003 Appropriations Act, required Amtrak

to submit an application for grant assistance to the Secretary of

Transportation for long-distance train routes operating outside of

the Northeast Corridor. These applications were required to be accompanied by a financial analysis detailing the operating expenses

associated with each long-distance train. The Committee has revised these procedures to require the grant approval process for all

Amtrak train routes. Applications for all routes for fiscal year 2004

will be required to be accompanied by a financial analysis that details the operating expenses of the route as well as the capital expenditures necessary to operate the route.

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 PROGRAM

The Federal Transit Administration was established as a component of the Department of Transportation by Reorganization Plan

No. 2 of 1968, effective July 1, 1968, which transferred most of the

functions and programs under the Federal Transit Act of 1964, as

amended (78 Stat. 302; 49 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The missions of the Federal Transit Administration are: to assist in the development of improved mass transportation facilities, equipment, techniques, and

methods; to encourage the planning and establishment of urban

and rural transportation services needed for economical and desirable development; to provide mobility for transit dependents in

both metropolitan and rural areas; to maximize the productivity

and efficiency of transportation systems; and to provide assistance

to State and local governments and their instrumentalities in financing such services and systems.

The programs funded by the Federal Transit Administration, as

contained in TEA21, need to be reauthorized for fiscal year 2004,

and the budget request for the Federal Transit Administration reflects the administration’s reauthorization proposal. The budget request retains a separate account for administration and restructures the Federal transit programs into two accounts: Formula

Grants and Research and Major Capital Investment Grants. In addition, the budget request proposes to consolidate funding from the

general fund for the administration account and from the Highway
90

Trust Fund for the proposed Formula Grants and Research account.

As proposed in the budget, the Formula Grants and Research

would include formula grants to States and local agencies and transit planning and research activities. Formula grants to States and

local agencies under the administration’s proposal would include

the following categories: urbanized areas (49 U.S.C. sec. 5307),

fixed guideway modernization, special needs of elderly individuals

and individuals with disabilities (49 U.S.C. sec. 5310), non-urbanized areas (49 U.S.C. sec. 5311), and the New Freedom Initiative.

The administration’s budget also proposes to distribute funding for

Job Access and Reverse Commute by formula instead of as a competitive program. Finally, set-asides of formula funds are directed

to: the bus testing program, authorized under 49 U.S.C. section

5318; the National Transit Database; a grant program for intercity

bus operations to finance Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] accessibility costs; and the Alaska Railroad for improvements to its

passenger operations. The requested level of funding is

$5,615,406,000 in budget resources for fiscal year 2004.

The budget request for Major Capital Investments Grants ac- count is $1,534,094,000 for fiscal year 2004, of which $320,594,000

is proposed to be appropriated from the general fund and

$1,213,500,000 to be derived from mass transit account of the highway trust fund. The new account would provide funding for ‘‘new

starts’’ transit projects and for metropolitan and statewide planning activities.

The Committee recommendation provides sufficient funding and

stability for the Federal Transit Administration pending the reauthorization of the surface transportation programs. Consistent with

the general guidance provided in the report, the Committee has followed the program structure found in current law and has resisted

the temptation to prejudge programmatic priorities and modifications that will emerge from the reauthorization process. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that the single-minded focus to increase local flexibility and funding stability as presented in the

budget request may cause neglect to other important Federal interests in a national transit program. The Federal interest in transit

should be—and is—greater than establishing rote entitlements that

merely redistribute trust fund revenue by formula.

Under the Committee recommendation, a total program level of

$7,305,000,000 is provided for the administrative expenses and programs of the Federal Transit Administration for fiscal year 2004.

This funding is comprised of $1,461,000,000 in appropriations from

the general fund and $5,844,000,000 in limitations on contract authority from the mass transit account of the Highway Trust Fund.

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendations compared to fiscal year 2003 and the administration’s request:

Program 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate Committee

recommendation

Administrative expenses .......................................................... $72,525,5000 $76,500,000 $73,000,000

Formula grants 2 ...................................................................... 3,764,371,500 .............................. 3,839,000,000

Formula grants and research .................................................. .............................. 5,615,406,000 ..............................

University transportation research .......................................... 5,961,000 .............................. 6,000,000
91

Program 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate Committee recommendation

Transit planning and research ................................................ 121,207,000 .............................. 122,000,000

Capital investment grants 3 4 .................................................. 3,110,648,500 .............................. 3,140,000,000

Major capital investment grants ............................................. .............................. 1,534,094,000 ..............................

Job access and reverse commute grants ................................ 104,317,500 .............................. 125,000,000

Total ............................................................................ 7,179,031,000 7,226,000,000 7,305,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $46,969,000 in fiscal year 2003 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Fiscal year 2003 reflects transfer $49,675,000 from Formula grants to Capital investment grants.

3 Fiscal year 2003 reflects transfer of $44,707,500 from Job Access and Reverse Commute grants to Capital investment grants.

4 Excludes transfers of unobligated balances of $1,015,648 from Job Access and Reverse Commute grants to Capital investment grants.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

General fund Trust fund

Appropriations, 2003 1 ............................................................................................................ $14,505,100 $58,020,400

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................................................... 76,500,000 ........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................................................... 14,600,000 58,400,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $474,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The accompanying bill provides a total of $73,000,000 in budget

resources for the agency’s salaries and administrative expenses,

which is comprised of an appropriation of $14,600,000 from the

general fund and a limitation on obligations of $58,400,000 from

the mass transit account of the highway trust fund. The recommended level of funding is $524,500 more than the fiscal year

2003 enacted level.

The specific levels of funding recommended by the Committee are

as follows:

Committee recommendation

Office of the Administrator ................................................................................................................................ $980,000

Office of Chief Counsel ...................................................................................................................................... 3,750,000

Office of Civil Rights ......................................................................................................................................... 2,700,000

Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs ...................................................................................... 1,160,000

Office of Budget and Planning .......................................................................................................................... 6,200,000

Office of Planning .............................................................................................................................................. 3,450,000

Office of Program Management ......................................................................................................................... 7,250,000

Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation ......................................................................................... 4,600,000

Office of Administration ..................................................................................................................................... 6,133,000

Central Account .................................................................................................................................................. 16,800,000

Regional Offices ................................................................................................................................................. 17,777,000

National Transit Database ................................................................................................................................. 2,200,000

Budget Justifications.—The FTA is directed to submit its fiscal

year 2005 congressional justification for administrative expenses by

office, with material detailing salaries and expenses, staffing increases, and programmatic initiatives of each office.

Staffing Level.—The Committee has not provided the requested

increase in funding for additional staff. The Committee notes that

the current staff level is below the increase that was approved for

fiscal year 2003. When filling those positions, the Committee believes it is imperative that the Administrator give priority on hiring to engineers and financial specialists whose knowledge and experience can improve project management oversight and analysis of

financial documents that are required to be submitted to the agency.
92

National Transit Database.—The Committee recommendation

continues funding for the operation of the National Transit Database in the administrative expenses account. The budget request

assumed funding for the National Transit Database to be set aside

under the proposed Formula Grants and Research account. The

Committee believes that the activities of the database are administrative in nature. The Committee recommendation provides

$2,200,000 for continued operation and maintenance of the National Transit Database.

Grants Management.—The Committee is concerned by the increasing number of projects not being obligated in a 3-year period

and consequently becoming available for reallocation. At the same

time, the Committee has heard a litany of complaints from project

sponsors—some of whom are first-time grantees—of the lack of cooperation and assistance from the FTA during the grant application process. While the Committee expects aggressive oversight

from the agency, it will not condone intimidation or dilatory bureaucratic obstacles that needlessly delay the obligations of discretionary projects.

Buy America Enforcement.—The Committee is concerned that the

application and enforcement of the ‘‘Buy America’’ statutes by the

FTA may be inconsistent with other modes of the Department and

other departments of the Federal Government and with the law

itself. The Committee is interested in ensuring that domestic content requirements for manufactured products are properly applied

and reflect the spirit and intent of the law. The Committee directs

the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General to review the FTA’s recent interpretations of manufactured component

and subcomponents as well as the use of temporary exemptions regarding to domestic content of the ‘‘Buy America’’ statute for consistency with the law and other practices within the Department.

This report should be provided to the Committee not later than

September 30, 2003.

FORMULA GRANTS

General fund Trust fund

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 .................................................................................................. $713,134,300 $3,051,237,200

Budget estimate, 2004 3 ................................................................................................. 5,615,406,000 ............................

Committee recommendation ........................................................................................... 767,800,000 3,071,200,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $24,953,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Fiscal year 2003 does not reflect FHWA flex funding transferred to FTA.

3 Limitation of $5,615,400,000 included in proposed ‘‘Formula Grants and Research’’ account.

FORMULA GRANTS

Formula grants to States and local agencies funded under this

heading fall into four categories: urbanized area formula grants (49

U.S.C. 5307); clean fuels formula grants (49 U.S.C. 5308); formula

grants and loans for special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities (49 U.S.C. 5310); and formula grants for

non-urbanized areas (49 U.S.C. 5311). In addition, setasides of formula funds are directed to: a grant program for intercity bus operators to finance Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] accessibility

costs; and the Alaska Railroad for improvements to its passenger

operations.
93

Within the total funding level of $3,839,000,000 for fiscal year

2004, the statutory distribution of these formula grants is allocated

among these categories as follows:

Urbanized areas (sec, 5307) ......................................................................................................................... $3,428,709,908

Clean fuels (sec. 5308) ................................................................................................................................. 50,000,000

Elderly and disabled (sec. 5310) .................................................................................................................. 90,652,801

Nonurbanized areas (sec. 5311) .................................................................................................................... 239,404,605

Over-the-Road Bus Program .......................................................................................................................... 6,950,000

Alaska railroad ............................................................................................................................................... 4,850,000

Section 3007 of TEA21 amends U.S.C. 5307, urbanized formula

grants, by striking the authorization to utilize these funds for operating costs, but includes a specific provision allowing the Secretary

to make operating grants to urbanized areas with a population of

less than 200,000. Generally, urbanized formula grants may be

used to fund capital projects and to finance planning and improvement costs of equipment, facilities, and associated capital maintenance used in mass transportation. All urbanized areas greater

than 200,000 in population are statutorily required to use 1 percent

of their annual formula grants on enhancements, which include

landscaping, public art, bicycle storage, and connections to parks.

Clean Fuels Program.—The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century requires that $50,000,000 be set-aside from funds

made available under the formula grants program to fund the clean

fuels program. The clean fuels program is supplemented by an additional set-aside from the major capital investment’s bus program

and provides grants for the purchase or lease of clean fuel buses

for eligible recipients in areas that are not in compliance with air

quality attainment standards. The Committee assumes continuation of the program for fiscal year 2004. The Committee has included bill language transferring the clean fuel formula set-aside

funds to the capital investment grants account. The Committee has

identified designated recipients of these funds within the projects

listed under the bus program of the capital investment grants account.

Over-the-Road Buses.—The Committee has included $6,950,000

in fiscal year 2004 for the over-the-road accessibility program.

These funds are intended to assist over-the-road bus operators in

complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.

The following table displays the State-by-State distribution of the

formula program funds within each of the program categories:

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATED FISCAL YEAR 2004 APPORTIONMENTS FOR

FORMULA GRANTS PROGRAMS (BY STATE)

State Section 5307

Urbanized Area

Section 5311

Non-urbanized Area

Section 5310

Elderly & Persons

with Disabilities

State Total

Formula Grants

Alabama ........................................................................ $15,138,667 $6,692,853 $1,582,925 $23,414,445

Alaska ........................................................................... 1 8,583,909 932,825 240,303 9,757,037

America Samoa ............................................................. ........................ 153,015 60,088 213,103

Arizona .......................................................................... 45,440,735 3,265,027 1,652,847 50,358,609

Arkansas ....................................................................... 8,174,080 4,841,318 1,029,871 14,045,269

California ...................................................................... 586,497,810 10,288,103 9,488,916 606,274,829

Colorado ........................................................................ 45,565,774 2,906,645 1,160,010 49,632,429

Connecticut ................................................................... 42,916,872 1,487,843 1,128,644 45,533,359
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FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATED FISCAL YEAR 2004 APPORTIONMENTS FOR

FORMULA GRANTS PROGRAMS (BY STATE)—Continued

State Section 5307

Urbanized Area

Section 5311

Non-urbanized Area

Section 5310

Elderly & Persons

with Disabilities

State Total

Formula Grants

Delaware ....................................................................... 6,423,520 674,570 352,994 7,451,084

District of Columbia ..................................................... 68,645,916 ........................ 309,042 68,954,958

Florida ........................................................................... 164,147,558 6,709,898 6,064,881 176,922,337

Georgia .......................................................................... 62,615,813 8,483,506 2,295,637 73,394,956

Guam ............................................................................ ........................ 413,460 157,227 570,687

Hawaii ........................................................................... 27,934,110 1,003,237 476,147 29,413,494

Idaho ............................................................................. 5,729,233 1,843,271 455,768 8,028,272

Illinois ........................................................................... 218,339,751 7,162,729 3,526,256 229,028,736

Indiana .......................................................................... 35,559,976 7,129,966 1,871,517 44,561,459

Iowa ............................................................................... 12,691,349 4,838,329 980,862 18,510,540

Kansas .......................................................................... 9,947,047 3,954,418 882,653 14,784,118

Kentucky ........................................................................ 19,148,378 6,610,369 1,461,839 27,220,586

Louisiana ....................................................................... 30,616,488 5,163,713 1,455,553 37,235,754

Maine ............................................................................ 3,061,990 2,566,606 533,084 6,161,680

Maryland ....................................................................... 69,033,173 2,668,245 1,545,478 73,246,896

Massachusetts .............................................................. 124,990,002 1,906,899 2,041,414 128,938,315

Michigan ....................................................................... 67,602,520 8,973,689 2,938,848 79,515,057

Minnesota ..................................................................... 41,820,114 5,896,505 1,366,007 49,082,626

Mississippi .................................................................... 5,296,811 5,781,661 1,032,720 12,111,192

Missouri ........................................................................ 36,365,026 6,689,314 1,788,808 44,843,148

Montana ........................................................................ 2,581,409 1,784,125 384,485 4,750,019

N. Mariana Islands ....................................................... 675,985 20,101 60,998 757,084

Nebraska ....................................................................... 8,239,653 2,420,193 596,510 11,256,356

Nevada .......................................................................... 24,473,107 859,874 721,940 26,054,921

New Hampshire ............................................................. 4,642,118 1,826,747 457,852 6,926,717

New Jersey .................................................................... 217,148,481 1,764,249 2,587,773 221,500,503

New Mexico ................................................................... 9,551,855 2,555,204 655,206 12,762,265

New York ....................................................................... 550,931,718 9,272,746 6,091,120 566,295,584

North Carolina .............................................................. 37,901,829 11,453,770 2,563,722 51,919,321

North Dakota ................................................................. 3,055,663 1,098,794 310,725 4,465,182

Ohio ............................................................................... 90,141,703 10,795,153 3,431,195 104,368,051

Oklahoma ...................................................................... 14,269,627 5,253,598 1,208,398 20,731,623

Oregon ........................................................................... 35,475,309 3,860,108 1,122,512 40,457,929

Pennsylvania ................................................................. 153,018,676 10,870,487 4,044,433 167,933,596

Puerto Rico ................................................................... 43,018,815 886,505 1,399,708 45,305,028

Rhode Island ................................................................. 8,886,917 321,036 463,004 9,670,957

South Carolina .............................................................. 14,252,555 5,710,780 1,383,261 21,346,596

South Dakota ................................................................ 2,347,890 1,496,368 339,305 4,183,563

Tennessee ..................................................................... 28,940,103 7,276,884 1,914,830 38,131,817

Texas ............................................................................. 196,543,779 16,174,536 5,644,548 218,362,863

Utah .............................................................................. 27,263,133 1,295,598 592,321 29,151,052

Vermont ......................................................................... 1,043,871 1,344,670 294,426 2,682,967

Virgin Islands ............................................................... ........................ 290,086 150,772 440,858

Virginia ......................................................................... 54,598,970 6,317,121 2,017,699 62,933,790

Washington ................................................................... 95,763,294 4,247,495 1,720,930 101,731,719

West Virginia ................................................................ 4,949,894 3,454,176 784,330 9,188,400

Wisconsin ...................................................................... 40,150,971 6,733,687 1,574,405 48,459,063

Wyoming ........................................................................ 1,381,661 982,500 256,054 2,620,215

Subtotal ........................................................... 3,433,535,608 239,404,605 90,652,801 3,763,593,014

Oversight ....................................................................... 17,253,948 1,203,038 ........................ 18,456,986

Total ................................................................ 3,450,789,556 240,607,643 90,652,801 3,782,050,000

Over-the-Road Bus Program ........................................ ........................ ........................ ........................ 6,950,000

Clean Fuels ................................................................... ........................ ........................ ........................ 50,000,000

Grand Total ..................................................... ........................ ........................ ........................ 3,839,000,000

1 Includes $4,825,700 to Alaska Railroad for improvements to passenger operations.
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UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

General fund Trust fund

Appropriations, 2003 1 ................................................................................................................ $1,192,200 $4,768,500

Budget estimate, 2004 2 ............................................................................................................. ...................... ......................

Committee recommendation ....................................................................................................... 1,200,000 4,800,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $39,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Limitation of $6,000,000 included in proposed ‘‘Formual Grants and Research’’ account.

Section 5505 of TEA21 provides authorization for the university

transportation research program. The purpose of the university

transportation research program is to foster a national resource

and focal point for the support and conduct of research and training concerning the transportation of passengers and property.

Funds provided under the FTA university transportation research

program are transferred to and managed by the Research and Special Programs Administration [RSPA], combined with a transfer

from the Federal Highway Administration of $26,500,000. The

transit university transportation research program funds are statutorily available only to the following universities: University of

Minnesota and Northwestern University. Funding is also statutorily available for awards based on competitive applications of approved universities. The Committee action provides $6,000,000 to continue the university transportation research program. The Committee recommendation is $39,000 more than the level as provided in fiscal

year 2003 and is consistent with the level of funding during the authorization period covered by TEA21.

TRANSIT PLANNING AND RESEARCH

General fund Trust fund

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 .............................................................................................................. $24,042,700 $97,164,300

Budget estimate, 2004 3 ............................................................................................................. ...................... ......................

Committee recommendation ....................................................................................................... 24,400,000 97,600,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $793,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect FHWA flex funding transferred to FTA.

3 For comparative purposes, total program level of $133,118,750 is request as included in proposed ‘‘Formula Grants and Research’’ account and appropriations in the ‘‘Major Capital Investment Grants.’’

The Committee action provides $122,000,000 for transit planning

and research. The bill contains language specifying that

$60,385,600 shall be available for the metropolitan planning program; $5,250,000 for the rural transit assistance program;

$31,500,000 for the national planning and research program;

$12,614,400 for the State planning and research program;

$8,250,000 for transit cooperative research; and $4,000,000 for the

National Transit Institute at Rutgers University.

The Committee recommendation includes transit planning and

research grants from the national program for:

Project Amount

Advanced Transportation Technology Institute, TN ......................................................................................... $500,000

Center for Composite Manufacturing, AL ........................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Fischer-Tropsch clean diesel technology demonstration, OK .......................................................................... 1,000,000

NDSU Transit Center for small urban areas, ND ............................................................................................ 400,000

JSU Bus Technology Research Center .............................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Metrolink’s Automated Passenger Counting System, CA ................................................................................ 900,000

National Bio-Terrorism Civilian Medical Response Center, PA ....................................................................... 1,000,000
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Project Amount

Project Action ................................................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Transit Technology Career Ladder Partnership Training Program .................................................................. 500,000

Vashon Island Passenger-Only Ferry Initiative, WA ......................................................................................... 1,000,000

WVU exhaust emissions testing, WV ............................................................................................................... 1,400,000

TRUST FUND SHARE OF EXPENSES

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $5,781,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 320,594,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,844,000,000

For fiscal year 2004, the Committee has provided $5,844,000,000

in liquidating cash for the trust fund share of transit expenses associated with the following programs: administrative expenses, formula grants, university transportation research, transit planning

and research, job access and reverse commute grants, and capital

investment grants. The recommended liquidating cash appropriation is consistent with the limits for new contract authority from

mass transit account of the highway trust fund inside of the mass

transit category as outlined in the concurrent resolution on the

budget for fiscal year 2004.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

General funds Trust funds

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ...................................................................................................... $682,733,200 $2,427,915,300

Budget estimate, 2004 ....................................................................................................... .......................... ..........................

Committee recommendation ............................................................................................... 628,000,000 2,512,000,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $19,734,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Includes $49,675,000 transferred from Formula Grants and $44,707,500 transferred from Job Access and Reverse Commute Grants pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

Section 5309 of 49 U.S.C. authorizes discretionary grants or

loans to States and local public bodies and agencies thereof to be

used in financing mass transportation investments. Investments

may include construction of new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing guideway systems; major bus fleet expansions and

bus facility construction; and fixed guideway expenditures for existing systems.

The Committee action provides a level of $3,140,000,000. Within

this total, $2,512,000,000 is from the mass transit account of the

highway trust fund and $628,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund. The following table summarizes the Committee recommendations:

2003 program level Fiscal year 2004

budget estimate

Committee recommendation

Bus and bus facilities ................................................................... $652,928,200 ............................ $607,200,000

Fixed guideway modernization ....................................................... 1,206,506,400 ............................ 1,214,400,000

New systems and new extensions 1 ............................................... 1,251,213,900 $1,514,918,000 1,318,400,000

Total ...................................................................................... 3,110,648,500 1,514,918,000 3,140,000,000

1 Fiscal year 2003 program level excludes $1,015,648 in unobligated balance transferred from Job access and reverse commute grants.
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FTA Restrictions on Funding for Non-FFGA Projects.—The Committee is troubled by the actions taken this year by FTA to withhold the release of appropriated funds for new start projects that

have received more than $25,000,000 in Federal funding prior to

receiving a full funding grant agreement. This significant shift in

policy is based on a reinterpretation of the requirements of Sections

5309(e)(6), (7), and (8) of title 49 U.S.C. The Committee questions

the timing of a significant policy change in the last 4 months of the

6-year authorization period of TEA21 and is aware that it is coincidentally consistent with provisions included in the administration’s

reauthorization proposal, SAFETEA, that was released this spring.

The Committee also questions the conclusions considering that subsection (8) was designed more as a relief from Federal regulatory

scrutiny than as a cap on pre-project planning.

The accompanying bill includes a general provision that rejects the FTA interpretation that once a project exceeds $25,000,000 it

is subject to FTA review and evaluation and therefore FTA must

approve it for advancement. Further, there is no limit of

$25,000,000 on alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, or

final design, and a project seeking more than that amount for such

activities does not need an early systems work agreement, as FTA

has interpreted to be required under subsection (g)(1). The Committee directs FTA to expeditiously release previously appropriated

funds for all new start projects identified in this and prior appropriations acts that remain unobligated and have not been reallocated by the Congress, upon the request of the grantee and the satisfaction of statutory requirements.

Pooled Procurement Pilot Project.—The Committee is aware of a

new process that uses Internet-based technology to allow transit

systems to collaborate on bus procurements. This new process

shows promise of increasing the efficiency of the bus acquisition

process by providing transit systems with new information on pricing and greater market power as well as minimizing the excessive

customization that increases manufacturing costs. The Committee

anticipates that this process will be especially beneficial to smalland medium-sized transit operations and municipalities. All transit

operators, in particular small- and medium-sized transit agencies

and municipalities, have wrestled for years with the challenges and

difficulties of developing bus specifications, assessing bids, overseeing production, and completing final delivery of vehicles. The

Committee believes that demand aggregation would reduce the

managerial burden on individual transit organizations to perform

these functions and provide quantity discounts that are otherwise

not available.

The accompanying bill includes language to provide for a pooled

procurement pilot project. The Committee directs FTA to undertake

a minimum of three pilot projects, to include no less than two transit systems for each pooled procurement initiative. As an additional

incentive to transit systems to participate in the pilot project pool,

the provision provides for an increased Federal share of 90 percent.

The Committee further directs FTA to disseminate the benefits

of buyer collaboration to transit systems and to review upcoming

and current procurements to determine suitable candidates for selection as pilot projects. The FTA shall provide technical assistance
98

to assist pool participants develop specifications and other necessary functions. Finally, FTA must identify any regulations that

require modification for compliance with Federal bus grant guidelines. FTA shall evaluate the process employed and the results

achieved by each pool and report the findings to the House and

Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after

the award of a contract.

Limited Extensions of Discretionary Funds.—There have been occasions when the Committee has extended the availability of capital investment funds. These extensions are granted on a case by

case basis and, in nearly all instances, are due to circumstances

that were unforeseen by the project’s sponsor. The availability of

these particular funds are intended for one additional year, absent

further congressional direction. The Committee directs the FTA not

to reallocate funds provided in fiscal year 2001 or previously for the

following new starts projects:

—Alaska /Hawaii Ferry Projects

—Albuquerque/Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico Mass Transit

Project

—Birmingham, Alabama, Transit Corridor

—Burlington-Bennington (ABRB), Vermont Commuter Rail

Project

—Charleston, SC Monobeam Corridor Project

—Charlotte, North Carolina, North Corridor and South Corridor

Transitway

—Clark County, Nevada, RTC Fixed Guideway Project

—Dulles, Virginia Corridor Project

—Girdwood to Wasilla, Alaska, Commuter Rail Project

—Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico Mass Rail Transit Project

—Hollister/Gilroy, California Branch Line Rail Extension Project

—Indianapolis, Indiana Northeast-Downtown Corridor Project

—Kansas City, Missouri, Southtown Corridor Project

—Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rail Extension Project

—Los Angeles-San Diego LOSSAN Corridor Project

—Lowell, Massachusetts-Nashua, New Hampshire Commuter

Rail Project

—Nashville, Tennessee, Regional Commuter Rail Project

—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania SEPTA Cross County Metro

Project

—Portland, Maine, Marine Highway Program

—Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Triangle Transit

Project

—Roaring Fork, Colorado Valley Project

—Stamford, Connecticut, Fixed Guideway Corridor

—Stockton, California, Altamont Commuter Rail Project

—Twin Cities, Minnesota Transitways Projects

—West Trenton, New Jersey, Rail Project

—Wilmington, DE Commuter Rail Project

The Committee also directs the FTA not to reallocate funds provided in fiscal year 2001 or previously for the following bus and bus

facility projects:

—Bellows Falls Multimodal, Vermont multimodal

—Binghampton, NY intermodal transportation center

—Bridgeport, CT intermodal center
99

—Burlington, Vermont multimodal transportation center

—Central Vermont Transit Authority buses and bus facilities

—Cheyenne, Wyoming transit and operation facility

—Clovis, New Mexico transit center

—Homer, Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge intermodal and welcome center

—Lake Tahoe, Nevada CNG buses and fleet conversion

—Norwich bus terminal and pedestrian access

—University of Alabama Birmingham fuel cell buses

—Waterbury, Connecticut bus garage

—Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania intermodal facility

BUS AND BUS FACILITIES

The Committee recommendation for bus and bus facilities funding is $607,200,000. These funds may be used to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct

bus-related facilities. Funds for bus and bus facilities shall be distributed as follows:

Project Amount

Alabama A&M University Transit Loop, Alabama ................................................................................................ $1,500,000

Alabama State Docks Intermodal Facility ........................................................................................................... 10,000,000

Albuquerque bus and bus facilities, New Mexico ............................................................................................... 4,500,000

Allentown Intermodal Facility, Pennsylvania ....................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Ames Maintenance Facility rehabilitation and expansion, Iowa ......................................................................... 1,000,000

Anchorage Ship Creek Intermodal Facility, Alaska .............................................................................................. 3,000,000

Ann Arbor fuel cell bus project, Michigan .......................................................................................................... 2,800,000

Arctic Winter Games bus and bus facilities, Alaska .......................................................................................... 1,500,000

Area Transportation Authority of North Central PA buses and bus equipment, Pennsylvania .......................... 2,500,000

Arkansas statewide bus and bus facilities ......................................................................................................... 10,000,000

Austin Capital Metro buses and bus facilities, Texas ........................................................................................ 4,000,000

Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority intermodal facility, Pennsylvania ............................................... 2,000,000

Billings downtown bus transfer facility, Montana .............................................................................................. 2,000,000

Binghamton Intermodal Center, New York .......................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Birmingham Intermodal Facility phase II, Alabama ........................................................................................... 3,500,000

Brattleboro Multimodal, Vermont ......................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Bridgeport Intermodal Transport Center, Connecticut ......................................................................................... 4,000,000

Brockton Intermodal Transportation Centre, Massachusetts .............................................................................. 1,000,000

Broward/Palm Tran Bus Coalition, Florida .......................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Burlington Transit Facilities, Vermont ................................................................................................................. 3,000,000

Bus Rapid Transit Project, Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada .................................................................................. 4,000,000

Cedar Avenue Transitway, Minnesota .................................................................................................................. 2,000,000

Chapel Hill Bus Maintenance Facility, North Carolina ........................................................................................ 2,000,000

Charlotte Area Transit System Transit Maintenance and Operations Center, North Carolina ........................... 5,000,000

Cherry Street Project Multi-Modal Facility, Terre Haute, Indiana ....................................................................... 2,000,000

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe public bus and bus facilities, South Dakota ......................................................... 2,250,000

City of Farmington buses and bus facilities, New Mexico ................................................................................. 100,000

City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Transit Maintenance Facility, Arkansas .............................................................. 750,000

City of Rome Passenger Intermodal Facility, New York ...................................................................................... 2,000,000

Clark County Transit, Bus Replacement Project, Washington ............................................................................ 3,000,000

Coffman-Cove Inner Island Ferry/Bus Terminal, Alaska ..................................................................................... 3,000,000

Colorado Statewide bus and bus facilities ......................................................................................................... 9,000,000

Colorado Transit Coalition bus and bus facilities .............................................................................................. 9,000,000

Community Transit Bus and Van Replacement, Washington ............................................................................. 1,000,000

Community Transit Park and Ride Lot Expansion Program, Washington ........................................................... 2,000,000

Connecticut Statewide Bus Purchase .................................................................................................................. 3,000,000

Construction of new Intermodal Terminals in Downtown Reno and Sparks, Nevada ........................................ 7,500,000

Corpus Christ bus and bus facilities, Texas ....................................................................................................... 3,500,000

Cranberry Isles Intermodal Transportation Facility, Maine ................................................................................. 500,000

Cummings Research Park Commercial Center Intermodal Facility, Alabama .................................................... 1,000,000

Curtis Ferry replacement, Maine .......................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Danville Hub-Gilcher Project, Kentucky ............................................................................................................... 1,750,000
100

Project Amount

Daviess County Parking Garage and Intra-County Transit Facility, Kentucky .................................................... 3,500,000

Dekalb County BRT Improvements, Georgia ........................................................................................................ 1,500,000

Denton Downtown Multimodal Transportation Facility, Texas ............................................................................. 1,000,000

Downtown Detroit Transit Center, Michigan ........................................................................................................ 7,000,000

Downtown Transit Center, Nashville, Tennessee ................................................................................................. 4,000,000

East Central Bus Coalition bus procurement, Florida ........................................................................................ 8,000,000

East Haddam Mobility Improvement, Connecticut .............................................................................................. 3,000,000

East Side Transit Center, Cleveland, Ohio .......................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Edmonds Crossing Multimodal Transportation Terminal, Washington ............................................................... 2,000,000

El Paso Sun Metro bus replacement, Texas ........................................................................................................ 2,000,000

Everett Transit, Bus Replacement Project, Washington ...................................................................................... 1,000,000

Fairbanks Transit bus replacement, Alaska ........................................................................................................ 3,000,000

Flint bus and bus facilities, Michigan ................................................................................................................ 3,000,000

Fresno FAX Buses and Equipment, California ..................................................................................................... 1,200,000

Fuel cell bus project, University of Delaware ...................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority buses and bus facilities ................................................................. 5,500,000

Girdwood Transportation Center, Alaska ............................................................................................................. 1,500,000

Great Falls Transit Authority bus replacement and facility improvement, Montana ......................................... 300,000

Greater Minnesota Transit buses and bus facilities, Minnesota ........................................................................ 5,000,000

Greater Ouachita Port and Intermodal Facility, Louisiana .................................................................................. 1,500,000

GRTC bus facility, Virginia .................................................................................................................................. 4,500,000

Hampton Roads Transit Southside Bus Facility, Virginia ................................................................................... 3,500,000

Harford Downtown Circulator, Connecticut .......................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Harrisburg International Airport Multi-Modal Transportation Facility, Pennsylvania .......................................... 2,000,000

Harrison County multimodal project, Mississippi ................................................................................................ 2,000,000

Hartford New Britain busway, Connecticut ......................................................................................................... 10,000,000

Hattiesburg Intermodal Facility, Mississippi ....................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Hazleton Intermodal Public Transit Center, Pennsylvania .................................................................................. 3,000,000

Helena Transit facility, Montana ......................................................................................................................... 500,000

Honolulu bus and paratransit vehicle replacement, Hawaii ............................................................................... 11,000,000

Honolulu Middle Street Intermodal Center, Hawaii ............................................................................................. 4,000,000

Huntsville Airport Phase III Intermodal Facility, Alabama .................................................................................. 3,500,000

Idaho Transit Coalition buses and bus facilities ................................................................................................ 4,500,000

Illinois statewide bus and bus facilities ............................................................................................................. 8,000,000

Indianapolis Transit Center, Indiana ................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

Intercity Transit Bus Expansion and Replacement, Washington ........................................................................ 1,000,000

Intermodal Facility, JIA, Mississippi .................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Intermodal Transit Facility for ULM, Louisiana ................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Intermodal Transportation Facility, University of Delaware ................................................................................ 2,000,000

Iowa City Near North Side Transportation Center, Iowa ..................................................................................... 2,100,000

Iowa statewide buses and bus facilities ............................................................................................................ 8,000,000

Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus acquisition, Florida ........................................................................... 1,000,000

Jefferson Transit Operating and Maintenance Facility, Washington ................................................................... 1,000,000

Johnson County transit equipment and transit coach improvement, Kansas .................................................... 250,000

Kalamazoo City bus replacement, Michigan ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Kansas City Area Transit Authority buses and bus facilities, Kansas ............................................................... 1,000,000

Kansas statewide buses and bus facilities ........................................................................................................ 4,000,000

KCATA Bus and Bus Facilities, Missouri ............................................................................................................. 4,500,000

Kearney RYDE Program, Nebraska ....................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

King County Metro Clean Air Buses, Washington ............................................................................................... 5,000,000

King County Metro Park and Ride on First Hill, Seattle, Washington ................................................................ 3,626,000

Kitsap Transit Bus Replacement Program, Washington ..................................................................................... 1,000,000

Knoxville Electric Transit Intermodal Center, Tennessee ..................................................................................... 3,000,000

Lane Transit District, BRT Phase II, Coburg Road Phase III, Oregon ................................................................. 6,000,000

Lansing Fixed Route Bus Replacement, ADA Para transit Small Bus Replacement, Maintenance, Administration and Storage Facility Renovation and Expansion, CATA/MSU Bus Way, Rural Small Bus Replacement, Michigan ................................................................................................................................................ 2,500,000

Las Cruces buses and bus facilities, New Mexico .............................................................................................. 750,000

Las Vegas downtown buses, Nevada .................................................................................................................. 750,000

Lechmere Station relocation and intermodal expansion, Boston, Massachusetts .............................................. 1,500,000

Liberty County COA bus facility, Montana ........................................................................................................... 50,000

Link Transit Vehicle Replacement, Wenatchee, Washington ............................................................................... 800,000

Long Beach Transit buses and bus facilities, California ................................................................................... 1,000,000

Los Angeles MTA bus, California ......................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Louisiana statewide bus and bus facilitates ...................................................................................................... 7,500,000

Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority, South Carolina .......................................................................... 300,000
101

Project Amount

Lowell Regional Transit Authority Gallagher Intermodal Transportation Center, Massachusetts ...................... 1,100,000

Lubbock Citibus alternative fueled, low floor buses, Texas ............................................................................... 1,750,000

Macon Multi-Modal Terminal Station, Georgia .................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Main Street Station Multimodal Transportation Center, Virginia ........................................................................ 3,000,000

Marquette County, Phase II—Transit Administrative, Operations, Maintenance & Storage Facility,

Michigan .......................................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

MARTA buses, Georgia ......................................................................................................................................... 9,000,000

Maryland statewide buses ................................................................................................................................... 8,000,000

Medical University of South Carolina Intermodal Facility, South Carolina ......................................................... 5,000,000

Memphis International Airport intermodal facility, Tennessee ............................................................................ 3,000,000

Mesa Operating Facility, Arizona ......................................................................................................................... 2,700,000

Metro Area Transit [MAT] bus and bus facilities, Omaha, Nebraska ................................................................. 3,000,000

METRO bus and bus facilities improvements, St. Louis, Missouri ..................................................................... 3,500,000

Metro Transit buses and bus facilities, Minnesota ............................................................................................ 7,000,000

Metro Transit Operators Coalition, California ...................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Miami-Dade County bus acquisition, Florida ...................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Michigan Statewide buses and bus facilities ..................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Missouri Statewide Bus and Bus Facility Projects .............................................................................................. 10,000,000

Mobile Waterfront Terminal and Maritime Center of the Gulf, Alabama ........................................................... 5,000,000

Mountain Line Bus Replacement and Facility Improvements, Montana ............................................................. 400,000

Mukilteo Lane Park and Ride, Washington ......................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Multimodal Transportation Center, City of Durham, North Carolina .................................................................. 2,000,000

Multi-Modal Transportation Facility and Transit System at Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma ................. 3,000,000

Nevada Rural Transit Vehicles and Facilities ..................................................................................................... 1,000,000

New Hampshire statewide buses and bus facilities ........................................................................................... 4,500,000

New Haven fuel cell/electric buses, Connecticut ................................................................................................ 1,000,000

Newark Penn Station Intermodal improvements, New Jersey .............................................................................. 4,000,000

Niagara Falls International Rail Station & Intermodal Transportation Center, New York ................................. 3,500,000

Norman buses and bus facilities, Oklahoma ...................................................................................................... 3,000,000

North Carolina statewide bus and bus facilities ................................................................................................ 7,000,000

North Charleston Regional Intermodal Transportation Center [RITC], South Carolina ....................................... 1,000,000

North Dakota Statewide Transit ........................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

North Florida and West Coast bus procurement, Florida .................................................................................... 10,000,000

Northwest Shoals Community College Transportation Modernization, Alabama ................................................. 500000

OATS Bus and Bus Facilities, Missouri ............................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Ohio Statewide bus and bus facilities ................................................................................................................ 8,000,000

Oklahoma City buses, Oklahoma ......................................................................................................................... 4,500,000

Old Bridge Intermodal Stations and Park & Rides, New Jersey ......................................................................... 1,000,000

Orange Beach Senior Activity Center buses, Alabama ....................................................................................... 200,000

Orange County, CA—Inter-County Express Bus Service, California ................................................................... 1,000,000

Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Center, California .................................................................................................. 750,000

Phoenix Regional Heavy Maintenance Facility, Arizona ....................................................................................... 500,000

Phoenix/Glendale West Valley Operating Facility, Arizona ................................................................................... 5,000,000

Pierce Transit Clean Bus Initiative, Washington ................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Pittsburgh Water Taxi, Pennsylvania ................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Port Authority of Allegheny County buses, Pennsylvania .................................................................................... 4,000,000

Port McKenzie Intermodal Facility, Alaska ........................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Port of Anchorage Intermodal Facility, Alaska .................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Portland Bayside Parking Garage/Intermodal Facility, Maine ............................................................................. 500,000

Richmond Highway Public Transportation Initiative, Virginia ............................................................................. 7,000,000

RIPTA buses and vans, Rhode Island ................................................................................................................. 4,000,000

Riverside Transit Agency buses and bus facilities, California ........................................................................... 1,000,000

Rochester Bus Terminal, New York ...................................................................................................................... 6,000,000

Ronstadt Transit Center Modifications, Arizona .................................................................................................. 3,000,000

RTC Central City Intermodal Transportation Terminal, Las Vegas, Nevada ....................................................... 1,000,000

Saginaw Transit multimodal downtown transfer facility, Michigan ................................................................... 2,000,000

Salem Area Transit bus replacement, Oregon ..................................................................................................... 1,000,000

San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit buses and bus facilities, Texas .............................................................. 6,000,000

San Francisco Muni bus and bus facilities, California ...................................................................................... 4,000,000

San Joaquin RTD Wilson Way Bus Facility, California ........................................................................................ 500,000

San Mateo Zero-Emission Bus Demonstration Program, California ................................................................... 1,000,000

Sawmill Creek Intermodal Facility, Alaska .......................................................................................................... 2,500,000

SEPTA Bucks County Intermodal Facility, Pennsylvania ...................................................................................... 4,000,000

Senior Services of Northern Kentucky buses and bus facilities, Kentucky ......................................................... 1,000,000

Sonoma County Transit CNG buses, California ................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Sound Transit Regional Express Transit Hubs, Washington ............................................................................... 2,000,000
102

Project Amount

South Amboy, NJ Regional Intermodal Transportation Initiative ......................................................................... 1,500,000

South Carolina statewide transit vehicles .......................................................................................................... 5,000,000

South Dakota statewide buses and bus facilities .............................................................................................. 2,000,000

South Lake Union Circulation System (Seattle), Washington ............................................................................. 3,000,000

Springfield Station, Oregon .................................................................................................................................. 5,000,000

Springfield Union Station, Springfield, Massachusetts ....................................................................................... 5,000,000

St. Bernard Parish intermodal facilities, Louisiana ............................................................................................ 1,000,000

St. Cloud buses, Minnesota ................................................................................................................................. 300,000

State of Maine Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities Program ............................................................................... 2,500,000

Statewide buses and bus facilities, Alabama .................................................................................................... 3,300,000

Statewide intermodal centers, Utah .................................................................................................................... 8,500,000

Statewide rural automatic vehicle locating and communications system, Nebraska ........................................ 1,500,000

Statewide rural bus program, Hawaii ................................................................................................................. 5,000,000

Sun Line Transit CNG bus acquisition, California .............................................................................................. 1,000,000

Tempe/Scottsdale East Valley Operating Facility, Arizona .................................................................................. 4,000,000

Tennessee statewide buses and bus facilities ................................................................................................... 8,000,000

The Banks Intermodal Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio ................................................................................................. 5,000,000

Tillamook County Transit maintenance facility, Oregon ...................................................................................... 500,000

Topeka Transit bus and bus facilities, Kansas .................................................................................................. 625,000

Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky [TANK] bus replacement, Kentucky ....................................................... 2,800,000

Transit Authority of River City buses and bus facilities, Kentucky .................................................................... 5,000,000

Transit Authority of Warren County Intermodal Bus Facility, Pennsylvania ....................................................... 3,000,000

Troy State University Bus Shuttle Program, Alabama ......................................................................................... 2,000,000

Tulsa Transit paratransit buses, Oklahoma ........................................................................................................ 1,200,000

UNI Multimodal Project, Iowa .............................................................................................................................. 6,500,000

Utah statewide bus and bus facilities ................................................................................................................ 10,000,000

Vermont alternative fuel station and buses ....................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Vermont Public Transit rolling stock ................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Visalia Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility, California ............................................................................ 1,000,000

Washington State Small Bus System Program of Projects ................................................................................. 3,799,000

Waterbury Bus Maintenance Facility, Connecticut .............................................................................................. 1,000,000

West Side Transit Facility, New Mexico ............................................................................................................... 2,000,000

West Virginia statewide bus and bus facilities .................................................................................................. 5,000,000

Westchester County Bee Line bus replacement, New York ................................................................................. 3,000,000

Western Kentucky University Bus Shuttle System, Kentucky ............................................................................... 4,000,000

Wisconsin statewide bus and bus facilities ....................................................................................................... 10,000,000

Wright Stop Plaza, Dayton, Ohio .......................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Wyoming statewide buses and bus facilities ...................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Illinois Statewide Buses.—The Committee provides $8,000,000 to

the Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT] for Section 5309

Bus and Bus Facilities grants. The Committee expects IDOT to

provide at least $4,000,000 for Downstate Illinois replacement of

buses in Bloomington, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Madison

County, Peoria, Quincy, RIDES, River Valley, Rockford, Rock Island, South Central Illinois MTD, and Springfield. Further, the

Committee expects IDOT to provide appropriate funds for bus facilities in Bloomington, Galesburg, Rock Island, and Metro Link’s

bus maintenance facility in St. Clair County including $500,000 for

the Town of Normal’s Downtown Multi-Modal Transportation Center.

Washington Statewide Small Transit Systems, Buses and Bus facilities.—The Committee provides $3,799,000 to the Washington

State Department of Transportation [WSDOT] for Section 5309 Bus

and Bus Facilities grants. The Committee expects WSDOT to fund

the following projects: (1) $688,000 Clallam Transit; (2) $103,000

Columbia County Public Transportation [CCPT]; (3) $114,000

Grays Harbor Transportation Authority; (4) $1,094,000 Island

Transit; (5) $416,000 Jefferson Transit; (6) $480,000 Mason County

Transportation Authority; (7) $88,000 Pullman Transit; (8)

$108,000 Twin Transit; and (9) $708,000 Valley Transit.
103

Civil Rights Trail Trolleys.—The Committee directs that

amounts made available in fiscal year 2001 to Montgomery Civil

Rights Trail Trolleys instead be distributed for the City of Montgomery’s Rosa Parks bus project. The availability of funds for obligation is extended through fiscal year 2004.

Vermont Buses.—Funds made available in fiscal year 2001 to the

Central Vermont Transit Authority (Wheels Transportation Services) to assist with buses and bus facilities shall be made available

to the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The availability of funds

for obligation is extended through fiscal year 2004.

Reno, NV Bus Projects.—The following funds will be reprogrammed from previous fiscal years from the following projects for

the purposes specified below: Bus Rapid Transit on South Virginia

Street-Reno, $1,950,000 (fiscal year 2003) and Reno Suburban transit coaches $500,000 (fiscal year 2002)—to be made available for

Reno/Sparks intermodal transportation terminals.

FIXED GUIDEWAY MODERNIZATION

The Committee recommends a total of $1,214,400,000 for the

modernization of existing rail transit systems. The Committee action continues the practice under TEA21 to distribute the funds by

formula. The following table itemizes the fiscal year 2004 rail modernization allocations by State:

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5309 FIXED GUIDEWAY MODERNIZATION

APPORTIONMENTS

State Fiscal Year 2004

Budget

Alaska ................................................................................................................................................................... $2,319,574

Arizona .................................................................................................................................................................. 2,612,495

California .............................................................................................................................................................. 147,696,782

Colorado ............................................................................................................................................................... 2,975,025

Connecticut .......................................................................................................................................................... 40,445,001

District of Columbia ............................................................................................................................................. 53,132,445

Florida .................................................................................................................................................................. 19,352,512

Georgia ................................................................................................................................................................. 25,304,065

Hawaii .................................................................................................................................................................. 1,164,990

Illinois ................................................................................................................................................................... 131,538,057

Indiana ................................................................................................................................................................. 8,982,688

Louisiana .............................................................................................................................................................. 2,967,450

Maryland ............................................................................................................................................................... 28,792,929

Massachusetts ..................................................................................................................................................... 74,954,059

Michigan ............................................................................................................................................................... 663,817

Minnesota ............................................................................................................................................................. 6,307,551

Missouri ................................................................................................................................................................ 4,565,470

New Jersey ............................................................................................................................................................ 104,471,490

New York .............................................................................................................................................................. 369,033,091

Ohio ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17,131,843

Oregon .................................................................................................................................................................. 4,520,661

Pennsylvania ........................................................................................................................................................ 99,950,443

Puerto Rico ........................................................................................................................................................... 2,450,605

Rhode Island ........................................................................................................................................................ 91,312

Tennessee ............................................................................................................................................................. 323,616

Texas .................................................................................................................................................................... 8,525,074

Virginia ................................................................................................................................................................. 17,277,259

Washington ........................................................................................................................................................... 23,882,868

Wisconsin ............................................................................................................................................................. 822,828

Total Apportioned .................................................................................................................................... 1,202,256,000
104

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5309 FIXED GUIDEWAY MODERNIZATION

APPORTIONMENTS—Continued

State Fiscal Year 2004

Budget

Oversight (1 percent) ........................................................................................................................................... 12,144,000

Grand Total ............................................................................................................................................. 1,214,400,000

NEW STARTS

The bill provides $1,318,400,000 for New Starts. These funds are

available for major investment studies, preliminary engineering,

right-of-way acquisition, project management, oversight, and construction for new systems and extensions. Under section 3009(g) of

TEA21, there is an 8-percent statutory cap on the amount made

available for activities other than final design and construction—

that is, alternatives analysis, environmental impact statements,

preliminary engineering, major investment studies, and other

predesign and preconstruction activities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The bill allocates the funds provided for New Starts as follows:

Project Amount

Alaska and Hawaii Ferry Projects .................................................................................................................... $10,296,000

Baltimore—Central LRT Double Tracking, Maryland ...................................................................................... 40,000,000

Birmingham—Transit Corridor, Alabama ........................................................................................................ 6,000,000

Boston—Silver Line Phase III, Massachusetts ............................................................................................... 1,000,000

Charlotte—South Corridor Light Rail Project, North Carolina ........................................................................ 18,000,000

Chicago—Douglas Branch Reconstruction, Illinois ........................................................................................ 85,000,000

Chicago—North Central, Illinois ..................................................................................................................... 20,000,000

Chicago—UP West Line Extension, Illinois ..................................................................................................... 12,000,000

Chicago—Metra Southwest Corridor Commuter Rail, Illinois ......................................................................... 20,000,000

Chicago—Ravenswood Line Extension, Illinois ............................................................................................... 10,000,000

Commuter Rail Improvements, Delaware ........................................................................................................ 3,000,000

Dallas—North Central LRT Extension, Texas .................................................................................................. 30,161,283

Denver—Southeast Corridor LRT, Colorado ..................................................................................................... 80,000,000

Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project, Virginia ............................................................................................... 25,000,000

Euclid Corridor Transportation Project, Ohio ................................................................................................... 15,000,000

Ft. Lauderdale—Tri-Rail Commuter Rail Upgrade, Florida ............................................................................ 18,410,000

Houston—Advanced Metro Transit Plan, Texas .............................................................................................. 10,000,000

Integrated Intermodal project, Rhode Island ................................................................................................... 6,000,000

Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Commuter Rail Extension, Wisconsin ................................................................. 4,000,000

Las Vegas—Resort Corridor Fixed Guideway, Nevada .................................................................................... 25,000,000

Little Rock—River Rail Project, Arkansas ....................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Los Angeles—Eastside LRT, California ........................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Maine Marine Highway ..................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Memphis—Medical Center Extension, Tennessee ........................................................................................... 9,247,588

Minneapolis—Hiawatha Corridor LRT, Minnesota ........................................................................................... 74,980,000

Minneapolis—Northstar Commuter Rail Project, Minnesota .......................................................................... 10,000,000

New Orleans—Canal Street Streetcar Project, Louisiana ............................................................................... 36,020,000

New York—East Side Access Project, New York ............................................................................................. 10,000,000

Newark Rail Link (MOS–1), New Jersey ........................................................................................................... 22,566,022

Northern New Jersey-Hudson-Bergen LRT–MOS–2 .......................................................................................... 100,000,000

Northwest Corridor BRT, Atlanta ...................................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Philadelphia—Schuylkill Valley Metro, Pennsylvania ...................................................................................... 16,000,000

Pittsburgh—North Shore Connector LRT, Pennsylvania .................................................................................. 13,812,304

Pittsburgh—Stage II LRT Reconstruction, Pennsylvania ................................................................................ 32,243,442

Portland—Interstate MAX LRT Extension, Oregon ........................................................................................... 77,500,000

Regional Commuter Rail (Weber County to Salt Lake City), Utah .................................................................. 12,000,000

Salt Lake City—Medical Center, Utah ............................................................................................................ 30,663,361

San Diego—Mission Valley East LRT Extension, California ........................................................................... 65,000,000
105

Project Amount

San Diego—Oceanside Escondido, California ................................................................................................. 48,000,000

San Juan-Tren Urbano, Puerto Rico ................................................................................................................. 20,000,000

Scranton—NY City Rail Service, Pennsylvania ............................................................................................... 5,000,000

Seattle—Central Link LRT MOS–1, Washington ............................................................................................. 75,000,000

SF Area—BART Airport Extension, California .................................................................................................. 100,000,000

Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor, California ............................................................................................. 4,000,000

Stamford Urban Transitway Phase II, Connecticut ......................................................................................... 7,000,000

Trans-Hudson Midtown Corridor, New Jersey ................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Triangle Transit Authority Regional Rail Phase I Project, North Carolina ...................................................... 9,000,000

VRE Parking Improvements, Virginia ............................................................................................................... 4,000,000

Washington, DC/Maryland—Largo Extension .................................................................................................. 65,000,000

Wilmington Train Station Improvements, Delaware ........................................................................................ 2,500,000

Wilsonville-Beaverton Commuter Rail, Oregon ................................................................................................ 6,000,000

Yarmouth to Auburn Line, Maine ..................................................................................................................... 3,000,000

Chicago—Ravenswood Line Extension, Illinois.—The Committee

provides $10,000,000 for the CTA Ravenswood Brown Line expansion project. The Committee directs the CTA to spend $5,000,000

only on renovations and repairs to the Granville Station and viaduct.

Orange County Centerline LRT, California.—The Committee

notes the progress made by the Orange County Transportation Authority in refining the scope of the Centerline LRT so as to make

the project more cost effective and address community concerns.

The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue working

closely with the project sponsor to develop this project.

JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE COMMUTE GRANTS

General fund Trust fund

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 .......................................................................................................... ........................ $104,317,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................................................... ........................ ........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................................................... $25,000,000 100,000,000

1 Reflects total reduction of $975,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Reflects transfer of $44,707,600 to Capital investment grants.

The program makes competitive grants to qualifying metropolitan planning organizations, local governmental authorities, agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Grants may not be used for planning or coordination activities.

The budget requests funding for job access grants within the formula grants and research account.

The Committee recommends $125,000,000 for the Job Access and

Reverse Commute Grants program. This program is meant to help

welfare reform efforts succeed by providing enhanced transportation services for low-income individuals, including former welfare

recipients, traveling to jobs or training centers.

The Committee recommends the following allocations of job access and reverse commute grant program funds in fiscal year 2004:

Project Amount

AC Transit CalWORKS Recipients Job Center, California ................................................................................ $3,000,000

Access to Healthcare for Children—Children’s Health Fund, Tennessee ....................................................... 750,000

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program [ADA] Rural Transportation Services, Alabama ............................. 500,000

Brockton Area Transit Authority [BAT] JARC Project, Massachusetts ............................................................. 500,000

Capital District Transportation Authority [CDTA] JARC Project, New York ...................................................... 500,000

Central New York Regional Transportation Authority [CNYRTA] Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New

York .............................................................................................................................................................. 300,000

Central Ohio Transit Authority’s [COTA] Job Access & Mobility Management Program, Ohio ....................... 500,000
106

Project Amount

Chautauqua County Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New York ........................................................... 100,000

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Public Bus System, South Dakota ...................................................................... 250,000

Chittenden County Transportation Authority JARC Program, Vermont ............................................................ 500,000

City of Galveston Job Access Program, Texas ................................................................................................. 500,000

City of Hornell Job Access & Reverse Commute Program, New York ............................................................. 100,000

Colonias JARC Initiative, Texas ........................................................................................................................ 2,000,000

Corpus Christi Welfare to Work Project, Texas ................................................................................................ 500,000

Craig Transit Service JARC Program, Alaska .................................................................................................. 50,000

Detroit DOT Job Access and Reverse Commute Projects, Michigan ............................................................... 2,000,000

Easter Seals West Alabama JARC Program, Alabama .................................................................................... 1,000,000

El Paso Sun Metro Job Access Program, Texas ............................................................................................... 750,000

Essex County Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New York ...................................................................... 100,000

Flint Transit Job Access-Reverse Commute Program, Michigan ..................................................................... 1,000,000

Fort Smith Transit Job Access Reverse Commute Program, Arkansas ........................................................... 200,000

Franklin County Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New York .................................................................. 200,000

Grand Rapids Countywide Access to Jobs Program, Michigan ....................................................................... 1,200,000

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority JARC Program, Ohio ................................................................ 1,000,000

I–405 Congestion Relief Project, Washington ................................................................................................. 2,500,000

IndyGo Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, Indiana ......................................................................... 1,000,000

Jackson-Josephine County Job Access Reverse Commute, Oregon ................................................................. 200,000

Jefferson County Job Access and Reverse Commute Projects, Alabama ........................................................ 4,000,000

Job Access, Illinois ........................................................................................................................................... 250,000

Jobs Access/Reverse Commute Projects, Rhode Island ................................................................................... 2,000,000

Lake Tahoe Public Transit Services JARC Project, Nevada ............................................................................. 300,000

Link Transit JARC Program, Wenatchee, Washington ...................................................................................... 500,000

Lubbock Citibus Job Access Reverse Commute Program, Texas .................................................................... 230,000

MASCOT Matanuska-Susitna Valley JARC Project, Alaska .............................................................................. 200,000

Metro Link San Bernadino Platform Extension, California .............................................................................. 2,100,000

Metropolitan Access to Jobs Initiative, Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota ............................... 200,000

Mobility Coalition, Alaska ................................................................................................................................ 500,000

MTA Long Island Bus Job Access and Reverse Commute Project, New York ................................................. 500,000

North Pole Transit System JARC Program, Alaska .......................................................................................... 75,000

Oneida/Herkimer County Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New York .................................................... 100,000

Orange County Job Access/Reverse Commute Project, New York ................................................................... 100,000

Port Authority of Allegheny County JARC Program, Pennsylvania ................................................................... 4,000,000

Rochester Job Access and Reverse Commute, New York ................................................................................ 750,000

Rogue Valley Transportation District [RVTD] Job Access Reverse Commute Program, Oregon ...................... 200,000

SACOG Sacramento Region Job Access and Reverse Commute Projects, California ..................................... 1,500,000

Salem Area Transit Reverse Commute Project, Oregon .................................................................................. 500,000

San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, Texas ........................... 1,000,000

SEPTA JARC Program, Pennsylvania ................................................................................................................ 6,050,000

Seward Transit Service JARC Program, Alaska ............................................................................................... 200,000

Sitka Community RIDE, Alaska ........................................................................................................................ 600,000

Statewide JARC, Iowa ....................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000

Statewide JARC, Missouri ................................................................................................................................. 6,000,000

Statewide JARC, Tennessee .............................................................................................................................. 5,500,000

Statewide JARC, West Virginia ......................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Statewide JARC, Wisconsin .............................................................................................................................. 2,600,000

Statewide JARC, Maine .................................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Statewide JARC, Maryland ............................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Statewide JARC, New Mexico ........................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Statewide JARC, Oklahoma .............................................................................................................................. 6,000,000

Statewide JARC, Connecticut ........................................................................................................................... 3,500,000

Statewide JARC, New Jersey ............................................................................................................................. 4,000,000

Statewide JARC, New York ............................................................................................................................... 1,000,000

Statewide small urban and rural Job Access and Reverse Commute, Nevada ............................................. 1,000,000

Statewide Ways to Work, Virginia .................................................................................................................... 1,500,000

Topeka Transit JARC Program, Kansas ............................................................................................................ 1,000,000

TriMet Regional Job Access Reverse Commute Program, Oregon ................................................................... 1,000,000

Unified Government of Wyandotte County JARC Program, Kansas ................................................................. 2,000,000

Vanpooling Enhancement and Expansion Project, Washington ...................................................................... 1,000,000

Vehicle Trip Reduction Incentives, Washington ............................................................................................... 1,500,000

Virginia Beach Paratransit Services, Virginia ................................................................................................. 300,000

Ways to Work, Tarrant County, Texas .............................................................................................................. 500,000

Ways to Work, California .................................................................................................................................. 1,000,000

Welfare to Work, Delaware ............................................................................................................................... 750,000
107

Project Amount

WMATA JARC Program, Washington, DC .......................................................................................................... 2,500,000

Worcester Regional Transit Authority JARC Projects, Massachusetts ............................................................. 300,000

GENERAL PROVISIONS—FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

Section 150 exempts limitations previously made available on obligations for programs of the FTA under 49 U.S.C. 5338.

Section 151 allows funds under this Act, Federal Transit Administration, Capital investment grants not obligated by September 30,

2006 to be made available for other projects under 40 U.S.C. 5309.

Section 152 allows funds appropriated before October 1, 2003,

that remain available for expenditure may be transferred.

Section 153 allows funds made available for Alaska or Hawaii

ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities to be used to construct new

vessels and facilities, or to improve existing vessels and facilities.

Section 154 allows funds made available for Colorado Roaring

Fork Transportation Authority to be made available for expenditure on park and ride lots in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs,

Colorado.

Section 155 allows unobligated funds for new projects under Federal Transit Authority to be used during this fiscal year to satisfy

expenses incurred for such projects.

Section 156 establishes a pilot program to allow cooperative procurement of major capital equipment.

Section 157 reallocates $400,000 for the replacement, rehabilitation, or purchase of buses or related equipment, or the construction

of bus related facilities in Yosemite, California.

Section 158 allows the Secretary of Transportation to include all

non-New Starts contributions made toward Phase 1 of the San

Francisco Muni Third Street Light Rail Transit project to be used

to meet the non-New Starts share requirement of any element or

phase of the project.

Section 159 allows fund made available for the Cleveland Berea

Red Line Extension to the Hopkins International Airport project to

be used for the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project.

SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation [SLSDC]

is a wholly owned Government corporation established by the Saint

Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954. The SLSDC is responsible

for the operation, maintenance, and development of the United

States portion of the Saint Lawrence Seaway between Montreal

and Lake Erie. The SLSDC’s major priorities include: safety, reliability, trade development, and management accountability.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

(HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $13,994,441

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 14,400,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 14,400,000

1 Reflects reduction of $91,559 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $20,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.
108

Appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and

revenues from non-federal sources finances the operation and

maintenance of the Seaway for which the SLSDC is responsible.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $14,400,000 to fund

the operations and maintenance of the SLSDC. The Committee recommendation provides sufficient funding for the SLSDC’s highest

capital priorities and the projects recommended by the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers after its survey and evaluation of the SLSDC’s

lock and maintenance practices. Based on independent security assessments, the SLSDC plans to implement additional security

measures for the Saint Lawrence Seaway in fiscal year 2004.

The Committee commends the efforts made by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to enhance the security of

Seaway infrastructure and maintain an open, yet secure waterway.

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $230,338,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 219,020,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 227,620,000

The Committee recommends an appropriations of $227,620,000.

The recommendation is $8,600,000 more than the President’s budget request.

The Maritime Administration [MARAD] is responsible for programs authorized by the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended.

MARAD’s mission is to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry in

support of the Nation’s security and economic needs. MARAD,

working closely with the Department of Defense [DOD], helps provide a seamless, time-phased transition from peacetime to wartime

operations, while balancing the defense and commercial elements

of the maritime transportation system. MARAD establishes DOD’s

prioritized use of ports and related intermodal facilities during

DOD mobilizations to ensure the smooth flow of military cargo

through commercial ports. MARAD also manages the Maritime Security Program, the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program and the Ready Reserve Force, which assure DOD access to

commercial and strategic sealift and associated intermodal capacity. Further, MARAD’s Education and Training Programs, through

the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and six State maritime

schools, help provide skilled U.S. merchant marine officers.

The Committee continues to fund MARAD in its support of the

United States as a maritime nation, and to help meet its management challenge to dispose of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the

National Defense Reserve Fleet by the end of 2006.

OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $92,093,476

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 104,400,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 106,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $602,524 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This appropriation finances costs incurred by headquarters and

region staffs in the administration and direction of Maritime Ad-
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ministration programs; the total cost of officer training at the U.S.

Merchant Marine Academy as well as Federal financial support to

six State maritime industry activities under emergency conditions;

activities promoting port and intermodal development; activities

under the American Fisheries Act; and Federal technology assessment projects designed to achieve advancements in ship design,

construction and operations.

The Committee recommends $106,000,000 for Operations and

Training for fiscal year 2004. The recommendation is $1,600,000

more than the budget estimate and $13,906,524 more than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. The Committee has included

$13,000,000 for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to accelerate

its major design and construction projects, as indicated in its 10-

year capital improvement plan, and $1,600,000 to fill vacant positions. The Committee expects that in filling vacant positions, priority to be given to hiring new instructors.

SHIP DISPOSAL

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $11,088,454

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 11,422,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 18,422,000

1 Reflects reduction of $72,546 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Ship disposal program provides resources to dispose of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet

[NDRF], which the Maritime Administration is required by law to

dispose of by the end of 2006. There is a backlog of over 130 ships

awaiting disposal as of December 2002. These vessels, many of

which are 50 years in age, pose a significant environmental threat

due to the presence of hazardous substances such as asbestos and

solid and liquid polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs].

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $18,422,000 for

the Ship Disposal initiative. This amount is $7,000,000 above the

President’s request.

MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $98,058,450

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 98,700,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 98,700,000

1 Reflects reduction of $641,550 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Maritime Security Program provides resources to maintain

a U.S. flag merchant fleet crewed by U.S. citizens to serve both the

commercial and national security needs of the United States. The

program provides direct payments to U.S. flag ship operators engaged in U.S. foreign trade. Participating operators are required to

keep the vessels in active commercial service and are required to

provide intermodal sealift support to the Department of Defense in

times of war or national emergency.

The Committee recommends $98,700,000 for the Maritime Security Program, consistent with the budget request.
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MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $4,088,454

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,498,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,498,000

1 Reflects reduction of $26,819 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This program provides for guaranteed loans for purchasers of

ships from the U.S. shipbuilding industry and for modernization of

U.S. shipyards.

As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account includes the subsidy costs associated with the loan guarantee

commitments made in 1992 and beyond (including modifications of

direct loans or loan guarantees that resulted from obligations or

commitments in any year), as well as administrative expenses of

this program. The subsidy amounts are estimated on a present

value basis; the administrative expenses are estimated on a cash

basis.

Funds for administrative expenses for the Title XI program are

appropriated to this account, and then transferred by reimbursement to Operations and Training to be obligated and outlayed.

GENERAL PROVISIONS—MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

Section 160 authorizes the Maritime Administration to furnish

utilities and services and make repairs to any least, contract, or occupancy involving Government property under the control of

MARAD and rental payments shall be covered into the Treasury as

miscellaneous receipts.

Section 161 prohibits obligations incurred during the current

year from construction funds in excess of the appropriations and

limitations contained in this Act or in any prior appropriation Act.

RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION

The Research and Special Programs Administration [RSPA] was

established by the Secretary of Transportation’s organizational

changes dated July 20, 1977, and serves as a research, analytic,

and technical development arm of the Department for multimodal

research and development, as well as special programs. Particular

emphasis is given to pipeline transportation and the transportation

of hazardous cargo by all modes. In fiscal year 2004, resources are

requested for the management and execution of the Offices of Hazardous Materials Safety, Emergency Transportation, Pipeline Safety, and program and administrative support. Funds are also requested for the Emergency Preparedness Grants program. RSPA’s

two reimbursable programs—Transportation Safety Institute [TSI]

and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center [VNTSC]—

support research safety and security programs for all modes of

transportation.

RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ......................................................................... $40,713,630

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 50,723,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 42,516,000

1 Reflects rescission of $266,370 pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $234,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.
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The Committee has provided a total of $42,516,000 for the Re- search and special programs account, which is $1,802,370 more

than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level. A total of $645,000 shall

be derived from the Pipeline Safety Fund, consistent with the

budget request.

The following table summarizes the Committee recommendations:

Fiscal year— Committee

recommendation 2003 enacted 1 2004 estimate

Hazardous materials safety ................................................................. $22,767,000 $24,981,000 $22,814,000

(FTE) ............................................................................................ 136 146 137.5

Emergency transportation .................................................................... $1,926,000 $3,616,000 $2,802,000

(FTE) ............................................................................................ 9 18.5 13

Research and technology ..................................................................... $2,822,000 $2,737,000 $2,394,000

(FTE) ............................................................................................ 9 10 9.5

Program and administrative support .................................................. $13,198,630 $19,389,000 $14,506,000

(FTE) ............................................................................................ 52 65.5 53

Total, research and special programs ................................... $40,713,630 $50,723,000 $42,516,000

1 Reflects rescission of $266,370 pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $234,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety [OHMS] administers a

nationwide program of safety regulations to fulfill the Secretary’s

duty to protect the Nation from the risks to life, health, and property that are inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials

by water, air, highway, and railroad. OHMS plans, implements,

and manages the hazardous materials transportation program consisting of information systems, research and analysis, inspection

and enforcement, rulemaking support, training and information

dissemination, and emergency procedures. The Committee recommends $22,814,000 for hazardous materials

safety. The Committee has provided funding for three new positions within the emergency transportation program. The Committee believes that these new positions should be devoted to personnel with expertise in the area of spent nuclear fuel in anticipation of shipments in 2004.

EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION

Emergency Transportation [ET] programs provide support to the

Secretary of Transportation for his statutory and administrative responsibilities in the area of transportation civil emergency preparedness and response. This program develops and coordinates

the Department’s policies, plans, and programs, in headquarters

and the field to provide for emergency preparedness.

ET is responsible for implementing the Department of Transportation’s National Security Program initiatives, including an assessment of the transportation implications of the changing global

threat. The Office also coordinates civil emergency preparedness

and response for transportation services during national and regional emergencies, across the entire continuum of crises, including

natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, and international and domestic terrorism. The Office of

Emergency Transportation develops crisis management plans to
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mitigate disasters and implements these plans nationally and regionally in an emergency.

The Committee recommends $2,802,000 for emergency transportation. The Committee has provided funding for eight new positions

to be allocated between the need for emergency transportation specialists and regional coordinators. The Committee has denied

RSPA’s request to transfer $1,000,000 from the Research and Technology budget activity to pay for additional staffing requests.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

The Committee recommends $2,394,000 for the Office of Research and Technology. The funds provided will help support the

R&T organizational excellence strategy specified in the Department’s strategic plan, allow RSPA to support the intergovernmental transportation research coordination responsibilities of the

National Science and Technology Council and support a limited

intermodal research program, hazardous materials R&D, and hydrogen fuels R&D.

The Committee continues to support the Office of Research and

Technology’s role in coordinating transportation-related research

throughout the Government. The Committee notes that RSPA has

requested funding for research on the standards necessary for safe

handling and transport of large quantities of hydrogen fuel and

safety standards for on-board hydrogen vehicle power and storage

systems pursuant to the President’s new Freedom Fuel initiative.

Accordingly, the Committee has provided funding to support one

hydrogen fuel engineer to support this initiative. However, in developing these research initiatives, the Committee encourages

RSPA to work with the Department of Energy to ensure that all

research related to hydrogen fuels is complementary in order to

maximize the Federal Government’s investment in this initiative.

PROGRAM AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

The program support function provides legal, financial, management, and administrative support to the operating offices within

RSPA. These support activities include executive direction (Office

of the Administrator), program and policy support, civil rights and

special programs, legal services and support, and management and

administration.

The Committee is troubled by RSPA’s request for additional

funding to establish proper accounting procedures, ensure integrity

in the execution of RSPA’s appropriated funds, and eliminate

vulnerabilities in internal funds control. The Committee believes

that these are essential budgetary functions for every agency and

is concerned that they are not currently an integral part of RSPA’s

budget and accounting structure. The Committee therefore directs

RSPA to immediately develop the appropriate accounting procedures and budgetary tools to ensure the proper accounting and integrity of appropriated funds. RSPA shall provide to the House and

Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than 90 days after

enactment of this Act, a report detailing the measures that will be

taken to address these shortfalls and a timeline for implementation.
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The Committee has provided $14,506,000 for program and administrative support. The Committee believes that this level of

funding is adequate and provides sufficient flexibility to meet

RSPA’s program and administrative expenses. The Committee

notes that the 2004 budget requests funding be transferred from

the Research and Technology budget activity for satellite phones,

secure voice and fax, and conference calling capability for Regional

Emergency Response Teams. The Committee encourages RSPA to

utilize the flexibility provided herein to ensure that Regional Emergency Response Teams are adequately equipped to perform their

duties.

Business Modernization.—Public Law 107–87 directed RSPA to

develop an Information Technology Strategic Plan outlining improvements in information technology and business modernization.

In advance of this plan, the administration requested $3,616,000

for IT infrastructure improvements and identified RSPA’s need to

remedy its weak IT infrastructure as its number one priority for

fiscal year 2003. The fiscal year 2004 budget again seeks funding

for IT infrastructure improvements. The Committee remains supportive of the need to overhaul RSPA’s Information Management

Program but continues to be exceedingly concerned by RSPA’s inability to develop a true Information Technology Strategic Plan

that identifies what RSPA’s information needs are, identifies who

needs access to the information, and identifies the resulting system

infrastructure requirements.

The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2003 appropriations Act

halted any further expenditure of funds for consulting costs for the

business modernization initiative and directed RSPA to submit a

new Strategic Information Technology Plan by May 15, 2003. To

date, the Committee has not received the requested plan and therefore denies RSPA’s request for funding for this initiative. The Committee has, however, granted RSPA’s request for funding for an IT

database manager and one addition IT staff so as to allow RSPA

to manage its current system. Further, the Committee encourages

RSPA to make their new Strategic Information Technology Plan a

priority given that the fiscal year 2003 budget identified RSPA’s

weak IT infrastructure as the number one priority.

PIPELINE SAFETY

(PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

(OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

Pipeline safety

fund Trust fund Total

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 ............................................................................. $56,003,595 $7,423,432 $63,427,027

Budget estimate, 2004 .............................................................................. 48,336,000 18,741,000 67,077,000

Committee recommendation ...................................................................... 50,429,000 17,183,000 67,612,000

1 Reflects rescission of $414,973 pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $166,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Research and Special Programs Administration is responsible for the Department of Transportation pipeline safety program.

Funding for the Office of Pipeline Safety is made available from

two primary sources: the pipeline safety fund, comprised of user

fees assessed on interstate pipeline operators; and the oil spill li-
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ability trust fund, a revolving fund comprised of an environmental

tax on petroleum and oil spill damage recovery payments. The

pipeline safety program promotes the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound transportation of natural gas and hazardous liquids by pipeline. This national program regulates the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and emergency response procedures pertaining to gas and hazardous liquids pipeline systems and

liquefied natural gas facilities. Also included is research and development to support the pipeline safety program and grants-in-aid to

State agencies that conduct a qualified pipeline safety program and

to others who operate one-call programs.

The Committee’s recommendation for the Federal pipeline safety

program generally supports, and is consistent with, the key provisions of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. The Committee recommends $67,612,000 for the Office of Pipeline Safety.

The bill specifies that, of the total appropriation, $50,429,000 shall

be from the Pipeline Safety Fund and $17,183,000 shall be from

the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The Committees recommendation provides funding to support 6 new natural gas inspectors, 3

new State program managers, 4 new FERC inspectors and 2 new

inspectors for technical issues on the Alaska system, consistent

with the budget request.

The Committee notes that the budget reduces funding for State

One-Call Grants. The Committee believes that one-call grants have

a proven track record in effective damage prevention and has provided $1,000,000 in funding.

The Committee notes the significant increase in funding derived

from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The Oil Pollution Act of

1990 requires that these trust funds be used for oil spill prevention

and response activities. While the requested increase has been provided, the Committee directs the Office of Pipeline Safety to factor

the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund into the allocation formula that

determines the hazardous liquid pipeline user fee assessment in

order to accurately reflect the actual oversight activities conducted

by the Office of Pipeline Safety.

Research and Development.—The Committee recommends

$9,169,000 for pipeline safety research, which is consistent with the

amount requested.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

(EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $198,700

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 200,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 200,000

1 Reflects rescission of $1,300 pursuant to Public Law 108–7.

The hazardous materials transportation law (title 49 U.S.C. 5101

et seq.) requires RSPA to: (1) develop and implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grants program; (2) monitor public

sector emergency response training and planning and provide technical assistance to States, territories, and Indian tribes; and (3) develop and update periodically a national training curriculum for

emergency responders. These activities are financed by receipts received from the hazardous materials shipper and carrier registra-
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tion fees, which are placed in the emergency preparedness fund.

The hazardous materials transportation law provides permanent

authorization for the emergency preparedness fund for planning

and training grants, monitoring and technical assistance, and for

administrative expenses. An appropriation of $200,000, also from

the emergency preparedness fund, provides for the training curriculum for emergency responders.

LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS

Bill language is included that limits the obligation of emergency

preparedness training grants to $14,300,000 in fiscal year 2004.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 123 ....................................................................... $57,047,764

Budget estimate, 2004 4 ......................................................................... 55,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 56,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $373,236 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2Does not reflect reduction of $200,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

3Does not include reimbursements of $3,501,094 from FHWA, $2,250,000 from FAA,

$1,987,000 from FTA, $1,000,000 from TSA, and $100,000 from NTSB. 4Does not include reimbursements of $3,524,000 from FHWA, $2,250,000 from FAA,

$2,000,000 from FTA, and $100,000 from NTSB.

The Inspector General Act of 1978 established the Office of Inspector General [OIG] as an independent and objective organization, with a mission to: (1) conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Department; (2) provide leadership and recommend policies designed to

promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of programs and operations; (3) prevent and detect fraud,

waste, and abuse; and (4) keep the Secretary and Congress currently informed regarding problems and deficiencies.

OIG is divided into two major functional units: the Office of Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and the Office of Assistant

Inspector General for Investigations. The assistant inspectors general for auditing and investigations are supported by headquarters

and regional staff.

The Committee recommendation provides $56,000,000 for activities of the Office of Inspector General, which is $1,047,764 less

than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level and $1,000,000 more than

the budget request. The increase above the budget request reflects

the value the Committee places on the OIG contribution as an objective and credible voice on various transportation issues.

Unfair Business Practices.—The bill maintains language which

authorizes the OIG to investigate allegations of fraud and unfair or

deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition by air carriers and ticket agents.
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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation Crediting offsetting collections

Appropriations, 2003 1 2 .................................................................................................... $19,330,075 $1,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ..................................................................................................... 19,521,000 1,050,000

Committee recommendation ............................................................................................. 19,521,000 1,050,000

1 Reflects reduction of $119,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

2 Does not reflect reduction of $10,000 pursuant to section 362 of Public Law 108–7.

The Surface Transportation Board was created on January 1,

1996, by Public Law 104–88, the Interstate Commerce Commission

Termination Act of 1995 [ICCTA]. The Board is specifically responsible for the regulation of the rail and pipeline industries and certain non-licensing regulation of motor carriers and water carriers.

Rail Carriers.—This regulatory oversight encompasses the regulation of rates, merger, and acquisitions, construction, and abandonment of railroad lines, as well as the planning, analysis and

policy development associated with these activities.

Other Surface Transportation Carriers.—This regulatory oversight includes certain regulation of the intercity bus industry and

surface pipeline carriers as well as the rate regulation of water

transportation in the non-contiguous domestic trade, household

good carriers, and collectively determined motor rates.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $19,521,000 for

activities of the Board. Included in the recommended amount is an

estimated $1,050,000 in fees to be collected, which will offset the

appropriated funding. The Board is authorized to credit the fees

collected to the appropriated amount as offsetting collections reducing the general funds appropriation on a dollar-for-dollar basis as

the fees are received and collected.
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TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $157,669,444

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 166,875,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 174,809,000

1 Reflects reduction of $31,531,557 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7 and transfers

to Department of Homeland Security.

The Departmental Offices in the Department of the Treasury

provide basic support to the Secretary of the Treasury, who is the

chief operating executive of the Department. The Secretary of the

Treasury has the primary role in formulating and managing the

domestic and international tax and financial policies of the Federal

Government. The Secretary’s responsibilities funded by the Salaries and Expenses appropriation include: recommending and implementing United States domestic and international economic and

tax policy; fiscal policy; governing the fiscal operations of the Government; maintaining foreign assets control; managing the public

debt; managing development financial policy; representing the

United States on international monetary, trade and investment

issues; overseeing Department of the Treasury’s overseas operations; and directing the administrative operations of the Department of the Treasury. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $174,809,000 for

salaries and expenses for Departmental Offices of the Department

of the Treasury, which is $7,934,000 more than the budget request.

International Affairs.—The Office of International Affairs has experienced significant growth in mission responsibilities. While the

Department has realigned its resources to focus on emerging international priorities, shortfalls remain that require additional funding and staff. The recommendation includes an increase of

$2,727,000 and 19 positions to support increased demands to improve the stability of the international financial system and economy, reform international financial institutions, support national

security goals, and respond to the proliferation of on-going trade

negotiations.

Terrorist Finance and Financial Crimes.—The Treasury remains

one of the leading agencies responsible for combating terrorist financing and other financial crimes domestically and abroad. The

Treasury’s Office of Enforcement, which previously performed these

and other enforcement responsibilities, was transferred to the new

Department of Homeland Security. In March 2003, the Secretary

of Treasury established the Executive Office of Terrorist Finance

and Financial Crimes [EOTF/FC] to continue support for coordi-
118

nating the Department’s counter-terrorist financing and antimoney laundering efforts. The Committee supports the establishment of the Office of Terrorist Finance and Financial Crimes and

the recommendation includes an additional $2,285,000 and 19 positions for the office to carry out Treasury’s policy responsibilities

pertaining to counter-terrorist financing and financial crimes.

One-year Base Restoration.—The budget request assumes a reduction of $28,000,000 and 226 full time equivalent positions for

the Departmental Offices to reflect the divesture of certain Treasury Departmental Offices’ functions to the Department of Homeland Security. Treasury has worked with the Office of Personnel

Management to implement this reduction through employee transfers to DHS and early-out retirement authority. However, the initial estimate of 226 employees reduced from the salary and expenses account has proven to be too high. As a result, the Department anticipates the need for additional funding to support approximately 60 full-time equivalent [FTE] positions in fiscal year

2004. The Committee recommends $5,800,000 to fund this base

shortfall for fiscal year 2004. The Departmental Offices are directed to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on

Appropriations providing the status of reducing the remaining FTE

by March 1, 2004.

Base Reduction.—The recommendation includes a reduction of

$2,851,000 to reflect one-time costs pertaining to an Asian Development Bank Conference and Transfer Pricing Initiative that were

included in the budget request. The Committee also has deleted

$27,000 for FECA costs, consistent with the general guidelines of

the report.

Foreign Assets Control.—The Office of Foreign Assets Control

manages and enforces economic sanctions and embargo programs

against targeted foreign governments and groups that pose threats

to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United

States. These include sanctions programs administered under the

International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading with

the Enemy Act, the United National Participation Act, the AntiTerrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, the Foreign Narcotics

Kingpin Designation Act and other related Executive Orders and

statutes.

The Committee includes bill language specifying that the Office

of Foreign Assets Control [OFAC] be funded at no less than

$21,855,000 and 120 full time equivalent positions.

Treasury Franchise Fund.—The Department of the Treasury was

chosen as a pilot Franchise Fund under Public Law 103–356, the

Government Management and Reform Act of 1994. Begun in 1997,

financial and administrative services included in the Franchise

Fund (Fund) are financed on a fee-for-service basis. Treasury’s

Fund is a revolving fund used to supply financial and administrative services on the basis of services supplied. For 2004, service activities are expected to have spending authority of $384,000,000

and employ 543 people.

Activities included in the Fund are financial training, accounting

cross-servicing, and various administrative support services. The

Fund concept is intended to increase competition for government
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and financial administrative services, resulting in lower costs and

higher quality.

DEPARTMENT-WIDE SYSTEMS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS PROGRAM

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $41,790,584

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 36,928,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 36,928,000

1 Reflects reduction of $23,837,416 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7 and transfers

to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Committee has provided a total of $36,928,000 to remain

available until September 30, 2006. The 1997 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act established this account which

is authorized to be used by or on behalf of Treasury bureaus, at

the Secretary’s discretion, to modernize business processes and increase efficiency through technology investments, as well as other

activities that involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury’s interface with other Government agencies.

INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TREASURY

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. ...........................

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... $134,949,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ...........................

The budget request includes a legislative proposal to merge the

Treasury Inspector General and the Treasury Inspector General for

Tax Administration into a new Inspector General office to be called

the Inspector General for Treasury. The proposed new organization

will have all of the same powers and authorities as its predecessors

have under current law.

The Committee recommendation denies authorization to establish a consolidated Inspector General Office for the Treasury. The

Committee agrees that the Treasury Inspector General’s office

should substantially decrease in size due to the transfer of law enforcement functions to the Department of Homeland Security. The

duties and responsibilities of the Treasury Inspector General, however, remain vastly different in substance from those performed by

the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and are not

conducive to being integrated. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that a consolidated Inspector General office would dilute the

vigorous oversight that the Congress and the taxpayers expect.

Further, the Committee believes that it is important to maintain

an independent Inspector General office to audit, investigate, and

evaluate the IRS.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $10,915,585

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 12,687,000

1 Reflects reduction of $24,642,416 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,687,000 for

salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General [OIG].
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The OIG conducts and supervises audits, evaluations, and investigations designed to: (1) promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste and abuse in Departmental programs and operations; and (2) keep the Secretary and the Congress

fully and currently informed of problems and deficiencies in the administration of Departmental programs and operations. The audit

function provides program audit, contract audit and financial statement audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to

agency contracting officials on accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Program audits review and audit all facets of

agency operations. Financial statement audits assess whether financial statements fairly present the agency’s financial condition

and results of operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and

compliance with laws and regulations. These audits contribute significantly to improved financial management by helping Treasury

managers identify improvements needed in their accounting and

internal control systems. The evaluations function reviews program

performance and issues critical to the mission of the Department,

including assessing the Department’s implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act [GPRA]. The investigative

function provides for the detection and investigation of improper

and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.

The Inspectors General Auditor Training Institute provides the

necessary facilities, equipment, and support services for conducting

auditor training for the Federal Government Inspector General

community. The Office of the Inspector General is the parent organization for this entity, although program and financing data is reported under the Treasury Franchise Fund (effective in 1999).

TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $124,198,429

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 128,034,000

1 Reflects reduction of $812,572 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee does not approve funding for the merger of the

Offices of the Treasury Inspector General and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The Committee recommends

an appropriation of $128,034,000 for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration [TIGTA].

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration [TIGTA]

conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to assess the operations and programs of the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] and Related Entities, the IRS Oversight Board and the Office of Chief

Counsel to (1) promote the economic, efficient and effective administration of the nation’s tax laws and to detect and deter fraud and

abuse in IRS programs and operations; and (2) recommend actions

to resolve fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies in these programs and operations, and keep the Secretary

and the Congress fully and currently informed of these issues and

the progress made in resolving them. TIGTA reviews existing and

proposed legislation and regulations relating to the programs and

operations of the IRS and Related Entities and makes recommendations concerning the impact of such legislation and regu-
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lations on the economy and efficiency in the administration of programs and operations of the IRS and Related Entities. The audit

function provides program audit, contract audit and financial statement audit services. Program audits review and audit all facets of

IRS and Related Entities. Contract audits provide professional advice to IRS contracting officials on accounting and financial matters

relative to negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. The evaluations function reviews program performance and issues critical to the mission of the IRS. The investigative function provides for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities involving IRS programs and operations

and protects the IRS and Related Entities against external attempts to corrupt or threaten their employees.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration was established by the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (Public

Law 105–206). Funding was first appropriated for this account in

the fiscal year 2000 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act (Public Law 106–58).

AIR TRANSPORTATION STABILIZATION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $6,001,734

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 2,538,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,538,000

1 Reflects reduction of $39,267 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,538,000 for

the Air Transportation Stabilization Program.

On September 22, 2001, President Bush signed into law the Air

Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, Public Law

107–42. The Act establishes the Air Transportation Stabilization

Board. The Board may issue up to $10,000,000,000 in loan guarantees.

TREASURY BUILDING AND ANNEX REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $28,743,942

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 25,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 25,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $188,058 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,000,000 for

the repair and restoration of the Treasury Building and Annex.

This appropriation funds repairs and selected improvements to

maintain the Main Treasury and Annex buildings.

EXPANDED ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,987,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... ...........................

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ...........................

1 Reflects reduction of $13,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

No additional funds were provided for Expanded Access to Financial Services, though the program will continue to operate on unobligated balances of budget authority. Appropriated amounts from

fiscal year 2002 remain unavailable, however, due to the lack of

congressional authorization.
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TERRORISM INSURANCE PROGRAM

On November 26, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–297). The Act

establishes and provides mandatory funding for a temporary Terrorism Insurance Program to be administered by the Department

of the Treasury. Under the program, the Federal Government is responsible for paying 90 percent of the insured losses arising from

acts of terrorism above the applicable insurer deductible and below

the $100,000,000,000 annual cap.

The budget includes estimates of the general administrative costs

of the program. Given the uncertainty surrounding the risk of future terrorist attacks, the budget does not include estimates of the

timing or magnitude of potential insurance claims under the program, which is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2005. Any

such claims would be paid from permanent, indefinite authority

and would not require subsequent appropriations.

FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $51,415,612

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 57,571,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 57,571,000

1 Reflects reduction of $336,388 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $57,571,000 for

the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network [FinCEN].

FinCEN, created in 1990 and elevated to bureau status in 2001,

supports law enforcement investigations to prevent and detect

money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

FinCEN links law enforcement, financial, and regulatory communities into a single information-sharing network. Using Bank Secrecy Act [BSA] information reported by banks and other financial

institutions, FinCEN serves as the nation’s central clearinghouse

for broad-based financial intelligence and information sharing on

money laundering. This information helps illuminate the financial

trail for investigators to follow as they track criminals and their assets.

The USA PATRIOT Act has expanded anti-money laundering

programs and reporting requirements to a number of industries

previously not covered by the BSA. FinCEN will undertake programs to reach these new industry groups, as necessary. FinCEN

will also continue efforts with the IRS, especially related to the

money service business industry, to assure compliance, respond to

public inquiries, distribute forms and publications, and support information processing of the BSA data.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $220,634,493

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 228,606,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 228,558,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,443,507 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $228,558,000 for

salaries and expenses for the Financial Management Service [FMS]
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in fiscal year 2004. This amount reflects a $48,000 reduction for

the Federal Employees Compensation Act [FECA].

Payments.—FMS implements payment policy and procedures for

the Federal Government, issues and distributes payments, promotes the use of electronics in the payment process, and assists

agencies in converting payments from paper checks to electronic

funds transfer [EFT]. The control and financial integrity of the

Federal payments and collections process includes reconciliation,

accounting, and claims activities. The claims activity settles claims

against the United States resulting from Government checks which

have been forged, lost, stolen, or destroyed, and collects monies

from those parties liable for fraudulent or otherwise improper negotiation of Government checks.

Collections.—FMS implements collections policy, regulations,

standards, and procedures for the Federal Government, facilitates

collections, promotes the use of electronics in the collections process, and assists agencies in converting collections from paper to

electronic media.

Debt Collection.—FMS provides debt collection operational services to client agencies which includes collection of delinquent accounts, offset of Federal payments against debts owed the Government, post-judgment enforcement, consolidation of information reported to credit bureaus, reporting for discharged debts or vendor

payments, and disposition of foreclosed property.

Governmentwide Accounting and Reporting.—FMS also provides

financial accounting, reporting, and financing services to the Federal Government and the Government’s agents who participate in

the payments and collections process by generating a series of

daily, monthly, quarterly and annual Government-wide reports.

FMS also works directly with agencies to help reconcile reporting

differences.

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $54,203,373

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 80,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 80,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $354,627 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends $80,000,000 for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau [TTB]. This amount is an increase of

$25,442,000 above the fiscal year 2003 enacted level that was

transferred to the TTB by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms [ATF]. The TTB did not exist as a stand alone agency until

January 2003 when ATF was transferred to the Department of

Justice.

The Homeland Security Act created a new bureau within the

United States Department of the Treasury charged with collecting

revenue and protecting the public. This new bureau enforces the

Federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol and tobacco by

working directly and in cooperation with others to: maintain a

sound revenue management and regulatory system that continues

reducing taxpayer burden, improving service, collecting the revenue

due and preventing tax evasion and other criminal conduct, and

protect the public and prevent consumer deception in regulated

commodities.
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UNITED STATES MINT

(UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND)

The United States Mint manufactures coins, sells numismatic

and investment products, and provides for security and asset protection. Public Law 104–52 established the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund (the Fund). The Fund encompasses the previous Salaries and Expenses, Coinage Profit Fund, Coinage Metal Fund, and

the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund. The Mint submits annual

audited business-type financial statements to the Secretary of the

Treasury and to Congress in support of the operations of the revolving fund.

The operations of the Mint are divided into three major activities: Circulating Coinage; Numismatic and Investment Products;

and Protection. The Mint is credited with receipts from its circulating coinage operations, equal to the full cost of producing and

distributing coins that are put into circulation, including depreciation of the Mint’s plant and equipment on the basis of current replacement value. From those receipts, the Mint pays its cost of operations, which includes the costs of production and distribution.

The difference between the face value of the coins and these costs

are profit, which is deposited as seigniorage to the general fund. In

fiscal year 2002, the Mint transferred $1,030,000,000 to the general

fund. Any seigniorage used to finance the Mint’s capital acquisitions is recorded as budget authority in the year that funds are obligated for this purpose and as receipts over the life of the asset.

BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing [BEP] designs, manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve notes, various public debt instruments, as well as most evidences of a financial character issued

by the United States, such as postage and internal revenue stamps.

The Bureau executes certain printings for various territories administered by the United States, particularly postage and revenue

stamps.

The operations of the Bureau are currently financed by means of

a revolving fund established in accordance with the provisions of

Public Law 656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), which requires the

Bureau to be reimbursed by customer agencies for all costs of manufacturing products and services performed. The Bureau is also authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital equipment and provide for working capital needs.

No direct appropriation is required to cover the activities of the

Bureau.

BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT

ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $188,832,558

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 173,698,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 173,652,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,235,442 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.
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The Committee recommends an appropriation of $173,652,000 for

the Bureau of the Public Debt in fiscal year 2004. This amount reflects a $46,000 decrease for Federal Employees Compensation Act

[FECA] costs.

This appropriation provides funds for the conduct of all public

debt operations and the promotion of the sale of U.S. savings-type

securities.

Savings Securities.—This activity involves the issuance, servicing, and retirement of savings bonds and notes and retirementtype securities, including: the maintenance and servicing of individual accounts of owners of series H and HH bonds and the authorization of interest payments, and the maintenance of accounting control over financial transactions, securities transactions and

accountability, and interest cost. These functions are performed directly by the Bureau of the Public Debt, by the Federal Reserve

Banks as fiscal agents of the United States, and by the qualified

agents which issue and redeem savings bonds and notes.

The fiscal year 2004 budget does not seek funding for the Bureau

of the Public Debt to market and advertise savings securities.

Marketable and Special Securities.—This activity involves all securities of the United States, other than savings and retirement securities, including securities of Government corporations for which

the Bureau of the Public Debt provides services. Functions performed relate to the issuance, servicing, and retirement of these securities, both directly by the Bureau and through the Federal Reserve Banks, as fiscal agents, including: the maintenance and servicing of individual accounts of owners of registered securities and

book-entry Treasury bills, the authorization of interest and principal payments, and the maintenance of accounting control over financial transactions, securities transactions and accountability,

and interest cost.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

SUMMARY

The Committee has recommended a total of $10,276,008,000 for

the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] in fiscal year 2004.

PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,930,064,450

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,074,694,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,048,238,000

1 Reflects reduction of $25,712,551 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,048,238,000

for Processing, Taxpayer Assistance, and Management. This

amount is $26,456,000 below the President’s budget request as

funding for new initiatives have been denied.

This appropriation provides for: processing tax returns and related documents; assisting taxpayers in the filing of their returns,

paying taxes that are due, and complying with tax laws; issuing

technical rulings; revenue accounting; conducting background investigations; and managing financial resources, rent and utilities.

IRS Staffing Plans.—The Committee continues to support adequate staffing levels for effective tax administration and supports
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the staffing plans for the Internal Revenue Service facilities in the

communities of Martinsburg and Beckley, WV. Therefore, the Committee urges the IRS, within the constraints of the fiscal year 2004

funding levels, to make no staffing reductions at the Martinsburg

National Computing Center and the programmed level at the Administrative Services Center in Beckley, WV.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly.—The Committee once again believes that the Tax Counseling Program for the Elderly has proven

to be most successful. To meet the goals of this program,

$3,950,000 is included within the aggregate amount recommended

by the Committee for processing tax returns and assistance in fiscal year 2004. To ensure that the full effect of the program is accomplished, the IRS is directed to cover administrative expenses

within existing funds.

Taxpayer Services in Alaska and Hawaii.—Given the remote distance of Alaska and Hawaii from the U.S. mainland and the difficulty experienced by Alaska and Hawaii taxpayers in receiving

needed tax assistance by the national toll-free line, it is imperative

that the Taxpayer Advocate Service Center in each of these States

is fully staffed and capable of resolving taxpayer problems of the

most complex nature. The Committee directs the Internal Revenue

Service to staff each Taxpayer Advocate Service Center in each of

these States with a Collection Technical Advisor and an Examination Technical Advisor in addition to the current complement of office staff. Staffing shall be increased if, as the result of the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, subsequent legislation, or

other factors, the number of cases or their complexity increases.

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.—The Committee once again commends the IRS for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic [LITC] program. With the growing complexity of tax laws, this program has

provided invaluable help for taxpayers who are seeking to resolve

disputes with the IRS. To ensure that the goals of the LITC program are maintained, the Committee has provided a total of

$7,000,000 to assist low-income taxpayer clinics across the Nation.

The Committee is concerned about recently proposed Treasury

regulations that state that the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service do not believe that qualified LITC’s are authorized to provide tax preparation services unless it is in conjunction with a controversy or with an English as a Second Language

program. Need-based tax preparation assistance through LITC and

other programs such as VITA are imperative for many of our Nation’s taxpayers who cannot afford commercial preparers. Without

this assistance, many individuals may either not file a return or

will make errors and prepare their returns improperly, ultimately

leading to a controversy with the IRS. Helping taxpayers with

problems with the IRS begins with the preparation and filing of the

return. Without this assistance, the limited resources available to

the LITC program will be insufficient to meet the demand of taxpayers with controversies with the IRS.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.—The Committee notes that the

existing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance [VITA] program provides

an invaluable service by helping low income taxpayers prepare and

file their Federal income tax returns. The Committee, therefore,

urges the IRS to provide such additional sums as may become
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available to the VITA program outside of its in-kind contribution

program. These additional funds are intended to assist the IRS in

expanding the VITA program to hard-to-serve areas, such as Indian reservations. Additionally, these funds are intended to increase the capacity of VITA sites to file returns electronically and

to cover some operational expenses. The Committee expects that

IRS will continue its current level of in-kind contributions to the

VITA programs.

Chicago, IL Tax Assistance Program.—The Committee is aware

of an innovative financial literacy and tax assistance project in Chicago, Illinois—Tax Assistance Program—designed to assist low income workers and their families with tax education and filing, in

cooperation with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago’s

Earned Income Tax Credit [EITC] outreach efforts. The Committee

encourages the IRS to continue to provide appropriate technical

and financial assistance for this worthwhile initiative.

TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,704,833,032

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,976,641,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,172,808,000

1 Reflects reduction of $24,238,968 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,172,808,000

for Tax Law Enforcement activities in fiscal year 2004.

The Committee is supportive of Compliance and recommends for

fiscal year 2004 that the Earned Income Tax Compliance Initiative

appropriation merge with the existing Tax Law Enforcement appropriation. The Tax Law Enforcement appropriation language has

been modified accordingly to reflect this proposal. The Earned Income Tax Compliance provides for expanded customer service and

public outreach program, strengthened enforcement activities, and

enhances research efforts to reduce over claims and erroneous filings associated with the Earned Income Tax Credit [EITC]. The Internal Revenue Service is permitted to adjust this funding up or

down as the Commissioner deems appropriate to manage the total

EITC program. The Committee recognizes that situations may

arise whereby the EITC program may need support from other IRS

program areas, whose operations are resident in appropriations

other than the Tax Law Enforcement appropriation. To provide for

this eventuality, the Committee has included specifics, which will

allow for funding transfers to the Processing, Assistance, and Management account and the Information Systems account within the

IRS solely for the purposes of proper management of the Earned

Income Tax Compliance program. The Committee directs the IRS

to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations

no later than April 15, 2004, on progress made from the merger

and compliance initiative.

Further, this appropriation funds IRS’s ability to provide equitable application and enforcement of the tax laws, identify possible

nonfilers for investigations, investigate violations of criminal statutes, and supports the Statistics of Income program.

Compliance Services.—This activity funds services provided to a

taxpayer after a return is filed to identify and correct possible errors or underpayment. Included in this activity are staffing, train-
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ing and support for: (1) compliance services operational management; (2) centralized automated collection system [ACS] and collection by correspondence in service centers; (3) field investigations

and collection efforts associated with delinquent taxpayer and business entity liabilities; (4) documents matching; (5) examination of

taxpayer returns at service centers; (6) field exam to determine corresponding tax liabilities; (7) enforcement of criminal statutes related to violations of internal revenue laws and other financial

crimes; (8) processing of reports for current transactions over

$10,000; (9) case settlement through the appeals process; (10) litigation; and (11) taxpayer advocate case processing.

Research and Statistics of Income.—This activity funds research

and statistical analysis support for the IRS. It provides annual income, financial, and tax data from tax returns filed by individuals,

corporations, and tax-exempt organizations. Likewise it provides

resources for market-based research to identify compliance issues,

for conducting tests of treatments to address non-compliance, and

for the implementation of successful treatments of taxpayer noncompliant behavior.

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $145,051,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 251,167,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ...........................

1 Reflects reduction of $949,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends no appropriations for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Funding for activities associated with this account have been included within the Committee recommendation

for Tax Law Enforcement account.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,621,833,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 1,670,039,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,590,962,000

1 Reflects reduction of $10,611,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,590,962,000

for information systems activities in fiscal year 2004.

This appropriation provides for Servicewide information systems

operations and maintenance, and investments to enhance or develop business applications for the IRS Business Units. The appropriation includes staffing, telecommunications, hardware and software (including commercial-off-the-shelf), and contractual services.

Information Services.—This activity provides the salaries, benefits, and related costs to manage, maintain, and operate the information systems that support tax administration. The Service’s

business activities rely on these information systems to process tax

and information returns, account for tax revenues collected, send

bills for taxes owed, issue refunds, assist in the selection of tax returns for audit, and provide telecommunications services for all

business activities including the public’s toll free access to tax information. These systems are located in a variety of sites including

the Martinsburg, West Virginia; Memphis, Tennessee; and Detroit,

Michigan Computing Centers; Service Centers; and in other field
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office operations. Staffing in this activity develops and maintains

the millions of lines of programming code supporting all aspects of

tax processing; as well as operating and administering the Service’s

hardware infrastructure of mainframes, minicomputers, personal

computers, networks, and a variety of management information

systems.

Information Systems Improvement Programs.—This activity

funds improvements or enhancements to business applications.

These investments conform to the modernized IRS architecture.

These projects differ in scope from those funded by the Business

Systems Modernization Program, which addresses major common

tax administration systems.

The Committee believes that funds provided under the Information Systems account, particularly for development-related activities, should be managed with the same diligence and financial controls as those activities funded through the Business Systems Modernization account. In addition, the Committee expects that as the

Business Systems Modernization moves an increasing number of

major projects into deployment, the Service will realign development activities funded under the Information Systems account so

that they are managed and integrated formally into Business Systems Modernization activity.

BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $363,621,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 429,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 429,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $16,379,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $429,000,000.

This account provides for revamping business practices and acquiring new technology. The agency is using a formal methodology to

prioritize, approve, fund, and evaluate its portfolio of business systems modernization investments. This methodology enforces a documented, repeatable, and measurable process for managing investments throughout their life cycle. Investment decisions are approved by the IRS Core Business System Executive Steering Committee, and chaired by the Commissioner.

The Committee acknowledges the cooperation in which the IRS

has exemplified with the General Accounting Office [GAO] in submitting the expenditure plans. The Committee expects that the IRS

will continue to provide documents and all pertinent information to

GAO in a timely manner for review of the expenditure plan.

HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDIT ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $69,545,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 35,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 35,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $455,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $35,000,000 for

the Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration.

This appropriation provides operating funds to administer the

advance payment feature of a new Trade Adjustment Assistance

health insurance tax credit program to assist dislocated workers
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with their health insurance premiums. The tax credit program was

enacted by the Trade Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–210) and is effective as of August 2003.

GENERAL PROVISIONS—INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

Section 201 authorizes the IRS to transfer up to 5 percent of any

appropriation made available to the agency in fiscal year 2004, to

any other IRS account. The IRS is directed to follow the Committee’s reprogramming procedures outlined earlier in this report.

Section 202 maintains a training program in taxpayer’s rights

and cross-cultural relations.

Section 203 requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies and

procedures which will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.

Section 204 directs that funds shall be available for improved facilities and increased manpower to provide sufficient and effective

1–800 help line service for taxpayers. The Commissioner shall continue to make this a priority.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 210 authorizes certain basic services within the Treasury

Department in fiscal year 2004, including purchase of uniforms;

maintenance, repairs, and cleaning; purchase of insurance for official motor vehicles operated in foreign countries; and contracts

with the Department of State for health and medical services to

employees and their dependents serving in foreign countries.

Section 211 authorizes transfers, up to 2 percent, between Departmental Offices, Office of Inspector General, Treasury Inspector

General for Tax Administration, Financial Management Service,

Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Financial Crime Enforcement Network, and the Bureau of the Public Debt appropriations

under certain circumstances.

Section 212 authorizes transfer, up to 2 percent, between the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax

Administration under certain circumstances.

Section 213 requires the purchase of law enforcement vehicles is

consistent with Departmental vehicle management principles.

Section 214 prohibits the Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from redesigning the $1 Federal

Reserve Note.

Section 215 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer

funds from Salaries and Expenses, Financial Management Service,

to the Debt Services Account as necessary to cover the costs of debt

collection. Such amounts shall be reimbursed to the Salaries and

Expenses account from debt collections received in the Debt Services Account.

Section 216 amends Section 122 of Public Law 105–119 (5 U.S.C.

3104 note), by striking ‘‘5 years’’ and inserting ‘‘6 years’’.

Section 217 requires prior approval for the construction and operation of a museum by the United States Mint.

Section 218 establishes a permanent appropriation to allow the

Department of Treasury to reimburse financial institutions for
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services provided in their capacity as depositaries and fiscal agents

for the United States.
(132)

TITLE III—EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

Executive Office Consolidation.—For the third consecutive year,

the administration has proposed a consolidation of the various accounts which comprise the Executive Office of the President. Last

year, the Committee gave this request considerable deliberation

and concluded that the existing structure served the Committee’s

and the public’s need for transparancy in the funding and operation of these important functions well. The existing structure also

provides the executive branch with the flexibility it needs to reprogram funds within accounts to address unforeseen budget needs

upon the notification and approval of the Committee. As noted in

discussions with administration officials in past years, at no time

has this Committee rejected an administration’s request to reprogram existing funds within accounts in this Title.

COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE

COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $450,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 450,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 450,000

The fiscal year 2004 budget request for compensation of the

President is $450,000. This amount includes $400,000 for the direct

salary of the President as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 102, and a

$50,000 expense account for official expenses, with any unused portions reverting to the Treasury. This expense account is not considered taxable to the President.

The Committee recommends the full budget request of $450,000

for compensation of the President.

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $50,385,356

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 70,268,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 61,937,000

1 Reflects reduction of $329,648 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

These funds provide the President with staff assistance and provide administrative services for the direct support of the President.

Public Law 95–570 authorizes appropriations for the White House

Office and codifies the activities of the White House Office.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $61,937,000 for

the White House Office. This is a decrease of $8,331,000 below the

budget estimate as funds requested under this account for the

Homeland Security Council are provided in a separate account.
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EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE

OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $12,148,518

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 12,501,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 12,501,000

1 Reflects reduction of $79,482 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

These funds provide for the care, maintenance, refurnishing, improvement, heating, and lighting, including electrical power and

fixtures, of the Executive Residence.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,501,000 for

the Executive Residence at the White House.

WHITE HOUSE REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,192,200

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,225,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,225,000

1 Reflects reduction of $7,800 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

To provide for the repair, alteration, and improvement of the Executive Residence at the White House, a separate account was established in fiscal year 1996 to program and track expenditures for

the capital improvement projects at the Executive Residence at the

White House.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,225,000 for

White House Repair and Restoration. The Committee recommendation is equal to the level assumed in the budget estimate.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $4,039,571

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,461,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,461,000

1 Reflects reduction of $26,429 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Special assistance to the President account was established

on September 26, 1970, to enable the Vice President to provide assistance to the President. This assistance takes the form of directed

and special Presidentially assigned functions.

The objective of the Office of the Vice President is to efficiently

and effectively advise, assist, and support the President in the

areas of domestic policy, national security affairs, counsel, administration, press, scheduling, advance, special projects, and assignments. Assistance is also provided for the spouse of the Vice President.

The Vice President also has a staff funded by the Senate to assist

him in the performance of his duties in the legislative branch.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,461,000 for

special assistance to the President. The level of funding recommended by the Committee will allow for 24 full-time permanent

positions in fiscal year 2004.
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OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $321,894

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 331,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 331,000

1 Reflects reduction of $2,106 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Official Residence of the Vice President account was established by Public Law 93–346 on July 12, 1974. The residence is located on the grounds of the Naval Observatory in the District of

Columbia and serves as a facility for official and ceremonial functions and as a home for the Vice President and family.

The Residence account provides for the care of, operation, maintenance, refurnishing, improvement, and heating and lighting of

the residence and for equipment, furnishings, dining facilities, services, and provisions as may be required to enable the Vice President to perform and discharge the duties, functions, and obligations

associated with this high office.

Funds to renovate the residence are provided through the Department of the Navy budget. The Committee has had a longstanding interest in the condition of the residence and expects to

be kept fully apprised by the Vice President’s office of any and all

renovations and alterations made to the residence by the Navy.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $331,000 for the

official residence of the Vice President.

COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,738,540

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,502,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,502,000

1 Reflects reduction of $24,460 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Council of Economic Advisors analyzes the national economy

and its various segments, advises the President on economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth and stability,

appraises economic programs and policies of the Federal government, and assists in the preparation of the annual Economic Report of the President to Congress.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,502,000 for

salaries and expenses of the Council of Economic Advisers.

OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,229,869

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,109,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,109,000

1 Reflects reduction of $21,132 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of Policy Development supports the National Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council, in carrying out

their responsibilities to advise and assist the President in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of economic and do-
135

mestic policy. The Office of Policy Development also provides support for other domestic policy development and implementation activities as directed by the President.

The Committee recommends $4,109,000 for the Office of Policy

Development.

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $7,770,164

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 10,551,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 10,551,000

1 Reflects reduction of $50,837 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The National Security Council advises the President with respect

to the integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies relating to the national security.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,551,000 for

the salaries and expenses of the National Security Council [NSC].

The funding level provided by the Committee will support 60 fulltime equivalent positions, or the same since the fiscal year 1996

level for the normal activities of the NSC.

HOMELAND SECURITY COUNCIL

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $19,271,913

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 8,331,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 8,331,000

1 Reflects reduction of $126,087 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the Homeland

Security Council to advise the President on homeland security matters, policy development, and the interagency process regarding administration policy on homeland security, including development

and coordination of implementation of the national strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats and attacks. The

Council assesses the objectives, commitments, and risks of the

United States in the interest of homeland security and oversees

and reviews homeland security policies of the Federal Government

to make recommendations to the President.

The Committee has not approved funding for the Homeland Security Council within the White House Office. The Committee believes that the Homeland Security Council should be funded as a

separate account, which is consistent with the budgetary treatment

of its predecessor, the Office of Homeland Security. The Committee

recommendation is an appropriation of $8,331,000, the same level

as the budget request.

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $90,910,218

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 77,164,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 77,164,000

1 Reflects reduction of $594,783 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.
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The Office of Administration’s mission is to provide high-quality,

cost-effective administrative services to the Executive Office of the

President. These services, defined by Executive Order 12028 of

1977, include financial, personnel, library and records services, information management systems support, and general office services.

The Committee has provided $77,164,000 to the Office of Administration for fiscal year 2004. In addition to the recommended level

of funding, the Office of Administration receives reimbursements

for information management support and general office services.

Centralized Procurement Pilot Project.—In fiscal year 2003, the

Committee consolidated funding from several EOP agencies in the

Office of Administration to provide for centralized procurement and

management of information technology, rent, printing and reproduction, supplies and materials and equipment. The Office of Administration has requested a 60 day extension to provide the report

due on the status of the program. The Committee remains supportive of the initiative, but recommends funding for such items in

individual offices within the EOP until saving and other benefits

are identified.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $61,988,439

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 77,417,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 75,417,000

1 Reflects reduction of $405,561 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of Management and Budget [OMB] assists the President in the discharge of his budgetary, management, and other executive responsibilities. The Committee recommends $75,417,000 for the Office of Management and Budget which is $13,428,561 more than the fiscal

year 2003 enacted level. The recommendation reduces without prejudice discretionary initiatives by $2,000,000. The Committee notes

that this is a substantial increase above the current funding and

that the reduction is manageable by limiting the growth for staff

and professional development.

Implementation of Federal Data Quality Act.—The Committee is

concerned that agencies are shielding significant, influential data

and related documents funded by the Federal government from the

requirements of the Federal Data Quality Act [FDQA]. The Committee is aware of the practice employed by agencies to claim that

data developed in collaboration with another Federal agency is exempt from the requirement of FDQA. In other cases, agencies have

argued that documents and data produced by a Federal Advisory

Committee Act [FACA] committee or other non-governmental entity are also exempt. It is the Committee’s belief that data endorsed

by the Federal Government should be of the highest quality and

that the public have the opportunity to review the data disseminated by the Federal Government for its accuracy and have available to it a streamlined procedure for correcting inaccuracies. The

Committee directs the Administrator of the Office of Information

and Regulatory Affairs [OIRA] to submit a report to the House and
137

Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 30 days on

how guidelines to agencies may be updated to address these concerns and improve the transparency of agency science.

Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarships.—The Committee

strongly supports the Truman Scholarship program and its original

intentions. The Committee is concerned, however, that the regulations regarding awarding a scholarship to at least one qualified applicant from each State has been violated numerous times in recent

years. The Committee directs the Board of the Truman Scholarship

program to strictly adhere to its statutory mandate to ‘‘assure that

at least one Truman scholar shall be selected each year from each

State in which there is at least one resident applicant who meets

the minimum criteria established by the Foundation.’’

OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $26,284,036

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 27,290,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 27,996,500

1 Reflects reduction of $171,964 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP], established

by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and reauthorized by Public

Law 105–277, is charged with developing policies, objectives and

priorities for the National Drug Control Program. In addition,

ONDCP administers the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center [CTAC], the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas [HIDTA]

program and the Special Forfeiture Fund. The account provides

funding for personnel compensation, travel, and other basic operations of the Office, and for general policy research to support the

formulation of the National Drug Control Strategy. Funds are also

provided for the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws,

which encourages States to adopt and implement laws, policies,

and regulations to reduce drug trafficking, drug use, and their related consequences. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,996,500, of which $1,500,000 shall be used for the National Alliance for Model

State Drug Laws. The Committee does not recommend an increase

to the official reception and representation fund.

COUNTERDRUG TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT CENTER

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $47,688,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 40,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 42,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $312,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $42,000,000 for

the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center [CTAC]. This

funding includes $24,000,000 for the continuation of the technology

transfer program by CTAC to State and local law enforcement in

their efforts to combat drugs. Pursuant to the Office of National

Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Title VII of Division C of Public Law 105–277), CTAC serves as the central

counterdrug research and development organization for the Federal

Government.
138

The Committee expects multiagency research and development

programs to be coordinated by CTAC in order to prevent duplication of efforts and to assure that whenever possible, those efforts

provide capabilities that transcend the need of any single Federal

agency. Prior to the obligation of these funds, the Committee expects to be notified by the chief scientist on how these funds will

be spent; it also expects to receive biannual reports from the chief

scientist on the priority counterdrug enforcement research and development requirements identified by the Center and on the status

of projects funded by CTAC.

The Committee is troubled that the majority of the budget submission for the research and development demand reduction program at CTAC is devoted to the purchase of high cost equipment

such as PET machines, to conduct research rather than for actual

research activities. While demand reduction research conducted by

universities and medical centers is important to the Nation’s efforts

to combat drug use, the Committee is concerned that CTAC’s research and development program priorities have become more focused on providing funding for technology acquisition and less so

on actual research. In order to have a clearer understanding of the

budgetary priorities of the CTAC program, the Committee directs

ONDCP to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than December 15, 2003, on CTAC funding allocations, specifically providing a detailed spending plan for the research and development program as well as the technology transfer

program for fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003.

The Committee continues to believe CTAC should work closely

and cooperatively with the individual law enforcement agencies in

the definition of a national research and development program

which addresses agency requirements with respect to timeliness,

operational utility, and consistency with agency budget plans.

Counterdrug Technology Transfer Program.—The Committee

fully supports the continuation of this program and, therefore, has

provided $24,000,000 for its operation in fiscal year 2004. The

Committee believes that this program demonstrates the best that

the Federal Government has to offer to State and local law enforcement in their efforts to combat drug related crimes. The Committee

is encouraged by the positive reception this program has received

by State and local law enforcement agencies as current requests for

technology continue to outpace resources by a ratio of more than

four to one.

This demand prompts the Committee to request that the fiscal

year 2005 budget request include a specific accounting of the total

number of grant applications received and the number awarded in

the previous year so that the Committee may have a true understanding of CTAC’s ability to meet demand.

The Committee expects that CTAC will conduct further outreach

to State and local agencies to educate them about the program. Finally, the Committee would encourage CTAC to work with private

industry to make their developed technology available to State and

local law enforcement through this program.
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FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

HIGH-INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $224,878,725

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 206,350,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 226,350,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,471,275 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The HIDTA program was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse

Act of 1988, as amended, and the Office of National Drug Control

Policy’s reauthorization, Public Law 105–277, to provide assistance

to Federal, State and local law enforcement entities operating in

those areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking. In allocating the HIDTA funds, the Committee expects the Director of

ONDCP to ensure that the activities receiving these limited additional resources are used strictly for implementing the strategy for

each HIDTA, taking into consideration local conditions and resource requirements. These funds should not be used to supplant

existing support for ongoing Federal, State, or local drug control

operations normally funded out of the operating budgets of each

agency. The remaining funds may be transferred to Federal agencies and departments to support Federal antidrug activities. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $226,350,000, which is $20,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee has

provided an additional $20,000,000 above the President’s request

for the purposes of fully funding existing HIDTA program activities, expanding existing HIDTAs where it is warranted, to fund

new HIDTAs as necessary, and finally, to fund new HIDTA activities that are consistent with the mission of the program. The Committee has included bill language subjecting the additional funding

to the reprogramming guidelines. The Committee directs that funding shall be provided for the existing High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas [HIDTA] at no less than the fiscal year 2003 initial

allocation level, unless the Director submits to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, and the Committees approves,

a request for reprogramming of the funds based on clearly articulated priorities for the HIDTA program, as well as published

ONDCP performance measures of effectiveness.

The Committee believes that the Director should take steps to

ensure that the HIDTA funds are transferred to the appropriate

drug control agencies expeditiously.

The Committee is concerned by ONDCP’s disregard for the direction that was included in the fiscal year 2003 Appropriations Act

regarding the obligation of $20,000,000 in additional funding provided for the HIDTA program. While the Committee understands

that none of the funds will be obligated before receiving prior approval of the Committees, the Committee notes that ONDCP created a grant program in coordination with the Attorney General,

developed the guidance for submission of the grants, has solicited

and received grant applications and, since reaching the deadline for

submissions, has begun ‘‘racking and stacking’’ the applications for

approval. The Committee believes that ONDCP’s approach is com-
140

pletely contrary to the direction provided in the Conference report

and is uncertain why ONDCP would proceed in this manner before

consulting with Congress, considering the specific guidance provided. Therefore, the Committee directs ONDCP to consult with

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in the developmental stages of any new grant programs that it plans to institute in the future.

The Committee understands that the Director has decided to utilize the additional HIDTA funding to participate in the Consolidated Priority Organizational Targets [CPOT] program created by

OCDETF and DEA. The Committee questions whether the HIDTA

program is the appropriate mechanism for funding and focusing

law enforcement activities on CPOT. The Committee understands

that ONDCP is attempting to re-focus the HIDTA program ‘‘upward’’ on larger international targets. The Committee notes, however, that there are numerous Federal agencies, as well as other

federally funded law enforcement coordinating bodies such as the

OCDETF program, whose core mission it is to focus on international drug trafficking targets. Most HIDTAs, however, were designated to address regional and local issues and many HIDTAs

have emerging drug problems that are tangentially international in

nature. While the Committee appreciates HIDTA’s role in bringing

together Federal, State, and local law enforcement entities, the

HIDTA program should not be the sole funding mechanism for the

CPOT program HIDTAs should not be denied an opportunity to receive additional funding to address emerging drug problems if they

are unable to target an international drug trafficking organization

on the CPOT list.

The Committee directs ONDCP to refocus the CPOT program to

identify regional targets as well as international targets. The Committee directs ONDCP to coordinate with other Federal agencies

with a core mission to target international drug traffickers in an

effort to pool personnel, intelligence, and available resources to further the originally conceived CPOT program and to report to the

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 90

days after enactment of this Act on the progress of these efforts.

Further the Committee directs the General Accounting Office to

conduct a study on the effectiveness of the CPOT program, its conformity with the HIDTA mission as authorized in Public Law 105–

277, and what resources other Federal law enforcement agencies

contribute to the program.

METHAMPHETAMINE REDUCTION

The Committee is particularly concerned about the continued

methamphetamine problem throughout the United States. The National Drug Intelligence Center reports an increase in the availability of methamphetamine in drug markets, a growing number of

States reporting the presence of superlabs, rising purity levels, and

an apparent increase in the presence of ice methamphetamine—all

indicating an increasing threat posed by methamphetamines. The

Committee believes that special attention should be given to this

growing problem and that the Director should make use of all possible resources, particularly in Southern Illinois, Southwest Indi-
141

ana, Pacific Northwest HIDTA, and Hawaii to address the methamphetamine problem.

MIDWEST HIDTA

The Committee is concerned about the growing production, trafficking, and use of methamphetamine throughout the Midwest

HIDTA. The Committee notes that the State of Missouri, which is

part of the Midwest HIDTA, had the highest number of methamphetamine lab seizures in the country. The fight against methamphetamine places a tremendous burden on State and local law

enforcement. Additional funding would allow Missouri to continue

to target methamphetamine labs, and would enable ONDCP to designate additional counties, including counties in the Southern District of Illinois, as part of the Midwest HIDTA where appropriate.

The Committee directs ONDCP to work with the affected counties

to determine whether they meet the statutory criteria required for

designation as a HIDTA. The Committee directs ONDCP to ensure

that funding for the Midwest HIDTA is provided at a level no less

than the fiscal year 2003 initial allocation and to work with the Executive Board of the Midwest HIDTA to assess the needs of the

HIDTA and to provide additional resources if necessary.

NEW ENGLAND HIDTA

The Committee recognizes that the growing availability and

abuse of inexpensive, high-purity heroin has had a harmful impact

on the New England region, resulting in an increase in the number

of drug-related arrests, overdose deaths and injuries, and individuals seeking treatment for addiction. The Committee is also aware

of the extraordinary challenges posed by increasing drug importation into the region across the northern U.S. border and via marine

transportation. The Committee directs ONDCP to work with the

New England HIDTA Executive Board to determine the needs,

with a particular focus on task force expansion on the U.S.-Canada

border, training, intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination,

and equipment and investigations. The Committee directs ONDCP

to provide additional resources as warranted by the assessment,

with particular attention to New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

SOUTHWEST BORDER HIDTA

The Southwest Border HIDTA was one of the first HIDTA’s established in the country and each of the five jurisdictions comprising the HIDTA share a mutual border with Mexico. This shared

border places them on the front lines of the drug war. The Committee is aware that the Southwest Border HIDTA has requested

funding to support additional operating expenses and to expand its

Investigative Support Center. The Committee directs the Director

of ONDCP to conduct an evaluation of the situation and to work

with the Executive Board of the Southwest Border HIDTA to determine the needs of the HIDTA and to provide additional resources

if necessary.
142

APPALACHIA HIDTA

The Committee remains concerned that the three Appalachia

HIDTA States, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, along

with California and Hawaii, account for over 80 percent of the domestic production of marijuana. The three Appalachia HIDTA

States are also producing some of the most potent marijuana available. For fiscal year 2002, the West Virginia National Guard, which

has mounted a vigorous counterdrug program in cooperation with

the Appalachia HIDTA, estimates that efforts to eradicate the

marijuana crop in West Virginia yielded plants valued at

$60,400,000. Therefore, the Committee directs ONDCP to maintain

funding at no less than fiscal year 2003 initial allocation to continue to combat this threat.

NORTHWEST HIDTA

The Committee is aware that the Northwest HIDTA is dealing

with a growing problem of potent marijuana from British Columbia

known as ‘‘BC Bud’’. In addition, Washington State is the third

leading State with methamphetamine labs. Heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy are also on the rise in the Pacific Northwest. Northwest

HIDTA is having an impact in these areas. The Committee directs

ONDCP to provide adequate resources to combat these threats. In

addition, the Committee notes the value of State and local task

forces in addressing these issues and encourages the continued incorporation of such entities in this and other HIDTAs.

SOUTHERN OHIO HIDTA

The Committee is concerned about the increased level of drug

trafficking in Southern Ohio. A significant portion of Ohio’s overall

population is concentrated in the State’s southern region where

drug trafficking and the use of cocaine and heroin are at epidemic

levels. The community believes that the establishment of a HIDTA

program in this area would assist law enforcement agencies in the

development and implementation of an effective strategy to combat

southern Ohio’s illicit drug problem. The Committee directs

ONDCP to work with the State of Ohio to determine the need for

and the possibility of establishing a HIDTA program in southern

Ohio.

OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGAMS 1

Appropriations, 2003 2 ........................................................................... $221,749,200

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 250,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 174,000,000

1Previously designated Special Forfeiture Fund.

2 Reflects reduction of $1,450,800 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, as amended, and the Office of

National Drug Control Policy’s reauthorization, Public Law 105–

277, established the Special Forfeiture Fund to be administered by

the Director of ONDCP. While the fund was originally authorized

to receive deposits from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, its current source

of funding is direct appropriations. In fiscal year 2004 the adminis-
143

tration is proposing to rename this fund ‘‘Other Federal Drug Control Programs’’. The Committee has concurred with this change. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $174,000,000.

Of the total funding provided, the accompanying bill specifies that: $100,000,000 is for continuation of the National Youth AntiDrug Media Campaign; $7,200,000 is for the United States AntiDoping Agency; $60,000,000 is for the Drug Free Communities Program; $3,000,000 is for the Counterdrug Executive Secretariat;

$1,000,000 is for the National Drug Court Institute; $2,000,000 is

for Performance Measures Development; and $800,000 is for

United States dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

NATIONAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

The Committee has been supportive of the national media campaign and has provided consistent funding for this program. When

this program was initially funded by the Congress in fiscal year

1998, it was with the understanding that within 3 years there

would be demonstrable behavior changes in America’s youth with

relation to drug use. The Committee is concerned that drug use is

increasing in spite of the national media campaign, leading some

observers to conclude it has not had a noticeable impact on drug

use among America’s youth.

Today, a large portion of the campaign’s budget pays for outside

media and advertising consultants and the Committee is concerned

about the amount of resources that are being consumed by these

parties. The Committee has provided $100,000,000 for the national

media campaign and directs that no less than 80 percent of the

funding provided be used for the purchase of advertising time and

space unless ONDCP submits and the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations approves a request for reprogramming of

the funds based on clearly articulated principals and priorities. The

Committee directs the General Accounting Office to conduct a

study to determine the extent to which outside consultants are

being used by the Media Campaign, the cost-effectiveness of this

method, and if this system is producing more effective ads that aid

ONDCP in its core mission.

Industry Match.—When the Congress, in an effort to reach more

of our Nation’s youth, agreed to provide funding for paid advertising, there was an understanding that Federal funds would be

matched by industry on a dollar-for-dollar basis. It has come to the

Committee’s attention however, that while ONDCP is purchasing

peak time for specific ads, they are agreeing to have that time and

space matched with different ads at different times. The Committee

believes that this violates the intent of Congress and directs

ONDCP to provide a detailed report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations regarding all advertizing, their placement and what matches are being provided by all media in all markets. Further, the Committee directs ONDCP to more closely scrutinize the matching proposals and to ensure that the one to one

match more appropriately mirrors the time and space that has

been purchased.

Advertising Focus.—The Committee is concerned with ONDCP’s

focus on parents rather than teenage children. While the WestatAnnenburg study has found that America’s parents of teens have
144

changed their behavior as a result of the campaign, there is no

such study finding similarly positive results on teen behavior. The

Committee reminds ONDCP that the purpose of the national media

campaign is to reduce drug use, particularly among the Nation’s

youth. While increased parental awareness of drug abuse may be

inherently valuable, the campaign cannot be considered successful

if youth drug use does not decline.

NIDA Study.—The Committee notes that ONDCP has chosen to

delay the results of the NIDA study because of a change in direction of the Media Campaign. ONDCP has however, provided the

Committee with a preliminary assessment of the youth marijuana

campaign but the report provided to the Committee does not include the results from the ads initially instituted by the Director

demonstrating a link between drug use and terrorism and other

criminal activity. This leads the Committee to conclude that the results of those ads were less than favorable. While ONDCP is encouraged to keep the Committee informed of the progress of the ad

campaign, the Committee intends to rely on the scientifically rigorous NIDA study to gauge its ultimate impact. The Committee believes that ONDCP should utilize the results of individual ad studies, such as the preliminary assessment of the youth marijuana

campaign, to accurately measure both the successes and failures of

the program and to prepare the media campaign for the future by

improving effective ads and discarding ineffective ads based on

known research.

DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES ACT

The accelerating rate of drug use by young Americans is a major

concern that must be addressed. The Committee, therefore, provides $60,000,000 in support of the Drug-Free Communities Act.

These funds will be used to support the establishment of local

counterdrug efforts that are characterized by strong conditions for

local initiatives, support, and accountability. In addition, the requirement for participating communities to match funding will help

ensure the degree of commitment necessary to succeed.

The Committee has included language directing ONDCP to provide a $1,000,000 grant directly to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America to continue the National Community Anti-Drug

Coalition Institute.

NATIONAL DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

The Committee recognizes the work of the National Drug-Free

Workplace Alliance to promote and assist the establishment of

drug-free workplace programs and provide comprehensive drug-free

workplace services to businesses. In addition, the Committee understands that the Alliance provides technical assistance and upto-date workplace substance abuse information to communities,

drug-free workplace organizations, and other similar groups

through a national network of experts and professionals with drugfree workplace interests. The Committee urges ONDCP to work

with the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance as it coincides

with ONDCP’s mission and encourages cooperative efforts relating

to the National Clearinghouse.
145

UNITED STATES ANTI-DOPING AGENCY

The Committee provides $7,200,000 for efforts of the United

States Anti-Doping Agency [USADA]. The Committee directs

ONDCP to provide the entire amount directly to USADA within 30

days after enactment of this Act.

USADA was created to oversee testing, education, research, and

adjudication on behalf of America’s athletes participating in the

Olympic, Pan American, and Paralympic Games. The Committee

has provided additional funds to increase the number of ‘‘No-Advanced-Notice’’ tests, to increase research funding at university and

research laboratories, and to expand their efforts to educate the

youth of America on health issues and the ethics of competing fairly in sport. The Committee continues to be impressed with the operations of this new organization and wishes to congratulate them

on the international recognition of their efforts.

WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY

The Committee provides $800,000 for membership dues to the

World Anti-Doping Agency. The budget requested $1,000,000 for

membership dues despite the fact that the dues assessed the

United States are currently $800,000. The Committee did not feel

that sufficient justification was provided to warrant an additional

$200,000.

DRUG COURT INSTITUTE

The Committee provides $1,000,000 for the National Drug Court

Institute. The Committee is aware of the extraordinary growth in

drug courts across the country and the important training of new

drug courts that the Institute provides. Drug courts provide an effective means to fight drug-related crime through the cooperative

efforts of State and local law enforcement, the judicial system, and

the public health treatment network.

UNANTICIPATED NEEDS

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $993,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 1,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $7,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

These funds enable the President to meet unanticipated exigencies in support of the national interest, security, or defense.

The Committee recommends $1,000,000, which is $7,000 more

than the fiscal year 2003 enacted level and is the same as the

budget estimate.
(146)

TITLE IV—INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE

BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $5,160,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 5,401,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,401,000

1 Reflects reduction of $34,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance

Board (the Access Board) is the lead Federal Agency promoting accessibility for all handicapped persons. The Access Board was reauthorized in the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, Public

Law 102–569. Under this authorization, the Access Board’s functions are to ensure compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act

of 1968, and to develop guidelines for and technical assistance to

individuals and entities with rights or duties under titles II and III

of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Access Board establishes minimum accessibility guidelines and requirements for public accommodations and commercial facilities, transit facilities and

vehicles, State and local government facilities, children’s environments, and recreational facilities. The Access Board also provides

technical assistance to Government agencies, public and private organizations, individuals, and businesses on the removal of accessibility barriers.

The Committee recommends $5,401,000 for the operations of the

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the

funding level requested by the administration.

COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR

SEVERELY DISABLED

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $4,627,723

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 4,629,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,725,000

1 Reflects reduction of $30,277 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The CPPBSD administers the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act [JWOD]

of 1971, as amended. Its primary objective is to use the purchasing

power of the Federal Government to provide people who are blind

or have other severe disabilities with employment and training

that will develop and improve job skills as well as prepare them

for employment options outside the JWOD program. In fiscal year

2004, the Committee’s goal is to employ approximately 50,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in 600 producing

nonprofit agencies. The Committee’s duties include promoting the
147

program; determining which products and services are suitable for

Government procurement from qualified nonprofit agencies serving

people who are blind or have other severe disabilities; maintaining

a procurement list of such products and services; determining the

fair market price for products and services on the procurement list;

and making rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. In fiscal year 2004, the Committee’s goal is to

have sales of $1,200,000,000.

The Committee recommends $4,725,000 for the Committee for

Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled

[CPPBSD].

ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $833,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 500,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 500,000,000

The Election Assistance Commission is responsible for approving

grants to assist State and local efforts to improve election technology and the administration of Federal elections, as authorized

by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–252). To

date, the Committee has received no justification for the President’s request for the Election Assistance Commission. The Committee has however, included the requested funding for the Commission in anticipation of the Commission establishment. The Committee is concerned that the Commissioner’s have not yet been

nominated and believes that the need for the EAC will become

more important with the 2004 elections quickly approaching. To

that end, the Committee urges the President to send his nominations to the Senate for confirmation without further delay.

The Committee has provided $499,000,000 for grants to State

and local governments to ensure minimum voting standards are

reached. The Committee recommendation provides an additional

$9,000,000 for grants. Within the total provided, the Committee

has allowed $1,000,000 for administrative expenses for the new

Commission, of which $200,000 is to award grants to the National

Student and Parent Mock Election as authorized under section 295

of that Act.

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $49,541,871

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 50,440,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 50,440,000

1 Reflects reduction of $324,129 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Federal Election Commission administers the disclosure of

campaign finance information, enforces limitations on contributions

and expenditures, supervises the public funding of Presidential

elections, and performs other tasks related to Federal elections.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,440,000 for

the Federal Election Commission.
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FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $28,761,825

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 29,611,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 29,611,000

1 Reflects reduction of $188,175 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority [FLRA] serves as a neutral party in the settlement of disputes that arise between unions,

employees, and agencies on matters outlined in the Federal Service

Labor Management Relations statute, decides major policy issues,

prescribes regulations, and disseminates information appropriate to

the needs of agencies, labor organizations, and the public. Establishment of the FLRA gives full recognition to the role of the Federal Government as an employer.

In addition, the FLRA is engaged in case-related interventions

and training and facilitation of labor-management partnerships

and in resolving disputes. FLRA promotes labor-management cooperation by providing training and assistance to labor organizations and agencies on resolving disputes, facilitates the creation of

partnerships, and trains the parties on rights and responsibilities

under the Federal Relations Labor Relations Management statute.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $29,611,000 for

the Federal Labor Relations Authority.

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations 2003 1 ............................................................................ $16,591,450

Budget estimate 2004 ............................................................................ 18,471,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 18,471,000

1 Reflects reduction of $108,550 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Commission regulates the international waterborne commerce of the United States. In addition, the commission has responsibility for licensing and bonding ocean transportation intermediaries and assuring that vessel owners or operators establish financial responsibility to pay judgments for death or injury to passengers, or nonperformance of a cruise, on voyages from U.S. ports.

Major program areas for 2004 are: carrying out investigations of

foreign trade practices under the Foreign Shipping Practices Act;

maintaining equitable trading conditions in U.S. ocean commerce;

ensuring compliance with applicable shipping statutes; pursuing an

active enforcement program designed to identify and prosecute violators of the shipping statutes; and reviewing ocean carrier operational and pricing agreements to guard against excessively anticompetitive effects.

The Committee includes $18,471,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Maritime Commission (the Commission) for

fiscal year 2004.
149

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND—LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF

REVENUE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Federal Buildings Fund program consists of the following activities financed from rent charges:

Construction and Acquisition of Facilities.—Space is acquired

through the construction or purchase of facilities and prospectuslevel extensions to existing buildings. All costs directly attributable

to site acquisition, construction, and the full range of design and

construction services, and management and inspection of construction projects are funded under this activity.

Repairs and Alterations.—Repairs and alterations of public buildings as well as associated design and construction services are

funded under this activity. Protection of the Government’s investment, health and safety of building occupants, transfer of agencies

from leased space, and cost effectiveness are the principal criteria

used in establishing priorities. Primary consideration is given to repairs to prevent deterioration and damage to buildings, their support systems, and operating equipment. This activity also provides

for conversion of existing facilities and non-prospectus extensions.

Installment Acquisition Payments.—Payments are made for liabilities incurred under purchase contract authority and lease purchase arrangements. The periodic payments cover principal, interest, and other requirements.

Rental of Space.—Space is acquired through the leasing of buildings including space occupied by Federal agencies in U.S. Postal

Service facilities, 153 million rentable square feet in fiscal year

2003, and 157 million rentable square feet in fiscal year 2004.

Building Operations.—Services are provided for Governmentowned and leased facilities, including cleaning, utilities and fuel,

maintenance, miscellaneous services (such as moving, evaluation of

new materials and equipment, and field supervision), and general

management and administration of all real property related programs including salaries and benefits paid from the Federal Buildings Fund.

Other Programs.—When requested by Federal agencies, the Public Buildings Service provides building services, such as tenant alterations, cleaning and other operations, and protection services

which are in excess of those services provided under the commercial rental charge. For presentation purposes, the balances of the

Unconditional Gifts of Real, Personal, or Other Property trust fund

have been combined with the Federal Buildings Fund.

CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION

Limitation on availability, 2003 1 ......................................................... $717,233,565

Limitation on availability, 2004 ........................................................... 400,568,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 659,668,000

1 Reflects reduction of $254,435 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Committee recommends $659,668,000 for the construction

and acquisition account. The Committee recommendation is

$259,100,000 above the President’s request. In addition, the Com-
150

mittee has reduced $4,000,000 from the President’s request for the

Champlain Border Station, funds were provided for this project in

fiscal year 2003.

Funds provided for construction and acquisition in fiscal year

2004 shall be available for the following projects in the corresponding amounts:

Anniston, Alabama United States Courthouse .................................................................................................... $4,400,000

Blaine, Washington Border Station ...................................................................................................................... 9,812,000

Charlotte, North Carolina United States Courthouse .......................................................................................... 8,500,000

Champlain, New York Border Station .................................................................................................................. 35,031,000

Del Rio, Texas Border Station .............................................................................................................................. 23,966,000

Denver, Colorado Federal Center, site remediation ............................................................................................. 6,000,000

Detroit, Michigan Ambassador Bridge Border Station ........................................................................................ 25,387,000

Eagle Pass, Texas Border Station ........................................................................................................................ 31,980,000

Greenville, South Carolina United States Courthouse ......................................................................................... 11,000,000

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania United States Courthouse ........................................................................................... 26,000,000

Houston, Texas Federal Bureau of Investigation ................................................................................................. 58,080,000

Jackman, Maine Border Station ........................................................................................................................... 7,712,000

Los Angeles, California United States Courthouse .............................................................................................. 50,000,000

McAllen, Texas Border Station ............................................................................................................................. 17,938,000

Montgomery County, Maryland Food and Drug Administration ........................................................................... 45,000,000

Orlando, Florida United States Courthouse ......................................................................................................... 7,200,000

Richmond, Virginia United States Courthouse .................................................................................................... 83,000,000

San Antonio, Texas United States Courthouse .................................................................................................... 8,000,000

San Diego, California Border Station .................................................................................................................. 34,211,000

Suitland, Maryland United States Census Bureau .............................................................................................. 146,451,000

Toledo, Ohio United States Courthouse ............................................................................................................... 6,500,000

Tuscaloosa, Alabama Federal Building ............................................................................................................... 7,500,000

Nonprospectus Construction ................................................................................................................................ 10,000,000

Courthouse Construction.—The Committee encourages the General Services Administration [GSA], the administration, and the judiciary to continue to work cooperatively to develop a single comprehensive plan upon which courthouse construction will be based.

The Committee continues to believe that a model should incorporate utilization rates, courtroom sharing, and safety considerations. The use of cost savings measures and careful planning will

result in a program that can be consistently supported. The Committee notes that it has been extremely supportive of addressing

the courthouse construction backlog. Further, the Committee would

remind the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts [AOC] and

other organizations that the Committee has adhered to the jointly

agreed to priority list and that the Congress is constrained by overall budget resolutions and spending caps from accommodating

every request.

Courtroom Sharing.—The Committee continues to be aware of

conflicting information regarding the issue of courtroom sharing.

The Committee is concerned that in spite of the strict budgetary

pressures facing the Federal Government, AOC fails to pursue a

policy of fiscal restraint and approaches the Congress for increases

in courthouse construction funding above the Administration’s request. The Congress and the Administration have worked diligently

to reign in court construction costs and the Committee will continue to pursue all avenues with respect to cost containment with

or without the support of the Courts.

Federal Courthouse, Jackson, Mississippi.—The Committee is

aware of plans to build a total of 165 parking spaces to create parking for the Jackson, Mississippi courthouse. The parking need is
151

much greater than what the plans have indicated; therefore, the

Committee directs GSA to use any excess funds from the purchase

of land to increase parking at this site.

Food and Drug Administration at White Oak.—The Committee is

concerned about delays, cost increases, and an apparent lack of a

long-range funding plan for the consolidated headquarters of the

Food and Drug Administration [FDA] at White Oak, Maryland.

While the Committee recognizes that the scope of the project has

changed due, in part, to homeland security considerations and expanding FDA responsibilities, the delays are escalating project

costs, requiring extension of costly leases, and leaving FDA employees in substandard facilities. The Committee therefore expects

GSA, in consultation with FDA, to submit a plan for funding the

remainder of the consolidation project as part of its fiscal year 2005

budget submission to Congress.

REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

Limitation on availability, 2003 1 ......................................................... $951,191,570

Limitation on availability, 2004 ........................................................... 1,012,729,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,000,939,000

1 Reflects reduction of $337,430 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Under this activity, the General Services Administration [GSA]

executes its responsibility for repairs and alterations [R&RA] of

both Government-owned and leased facilities under the control of

GSA. The primary goal of this activity is to provide commercially

equivalent space to tenant agencies. Safety, quality, and operating

efficiency of facilities are given primary consideration in carrying

out this responsibility.

R&A workload requirements originate with scheduled onsite inspections of buildings by qualified regional engineers and building

managers. The work identified through these inspections is programmed in order of priority into the repairs and alterations construction automated tracking system [RACATS] and incorporated

into a 5-year plan for accomplishment, based upon funding availability, urgency, and the volume of R&A work that GSA has the

capability to execute annually. Since fiscal year 1995, design and

construction services activities associated with repair and alteration projects have been funded in this account.

The Committee recommends new obligational authority of $1,000,939,000 for repairs and alterations in fiscal year 2004. This

is a decrease of $11,790,000 below the President’s request. The recommendation includes a reduction of $9,000,000 for repairs to the

Rogers building in Denver, Colorado to offset funds provided for

this project in fiscal year 2003.

Funds provided for repairs and alterations in fiscal year 2004

shall be available for the following projects in the corresponding

amounts:

320 First Street, District of Columbia ................................................................................................................. $7,485,000

Atlanta, Georgia Richard B. Russell Federal Building ........................................................................................ 32,173,000

Auburn, Washington Building 7 Federal Building ............................................................................................... 18,315,000

Bellingham, Washington Federal Building (design) ............................................................................................ 2,610,000

Boston, Massachusetts John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse ......................................................... 73,037,000

Brooklyn, New York Emanuel Celler Courthouse .................................................................................................. 65,511,000

Chicago, Illinois Dirksen Courthouse & Kluczynski Federal Building ................................................................. 24,056,000
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Columbus, Ohio John W. Bricker Federal Building .............................................................................................. 10,707,000

Denver, Colorado Byron G. Rogers Federal Building—Courthouse ..................................................................... 39,436,000

Eisenhower Executive Office Building, District of Columbia ............................................................................... 65,757,000

Fargo, North Dakota Federal Building—Post Office ........................................................................................... 5,801,000

Federal Office Building 8, District of Columbia .................................................................................................. 134,872,000

Fire & Life Safety, District of Columbia .............................................................................................................. 68,188,000

Main Interior Building, District of Columbia ....................................................................................................... 15,603,000

Seattle, Washington Henry M. Jackson Federal Building .................................................................................... 6,868,000

Springfield, Illinois Paul H. Findley Federal Building—Courthouse ................................................................... 6,183,000

Terre Haute Federal Building—Post Office ......................................................................................................... 4,600,000

Special Emphasis Programs:

Basic Repairs and Alterations .................................................................................................................... 355,000,000

Chlorofluorocarbons Program ...................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Energy Program ........................................................................................................................................... 5,000,000

Glass Fragmentation Program .................................................................................................................... 20,000,000

Design Program ........................................................................................................................................... 34,737,000

INSTALLMENT ACQUISITION PAYMENTS

Limitation on availability, 2003 1 ......................................................... $178,896,537

Limitation on availability, 2004 ........................................................... 169,745,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 169,745,000

1 Reflects reduction of $63,463 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Public Buildings Amendments of 1972 enables GSA to enter

into contractual arrangements for the construction of a backlog of

approved but unfunded projects. The purchase contracts require

the Federal Government to make periodic payments on these facilities over varying periods until title is transferred to the Government. This activity provides for the payment of principal, interest,

taxes, and other required obligations related to facilities acquired

pursuant to the Public Buildings Amendments of 1972 (40 U.S.C.

602a).

The Committee recommends a limitation of $169,745,000 for installment acquisition payments. The Committee recommendation

equals the budget estimate.

RENTAL OF SPACE

Limitation on availability, 2003 1 ......................................................... $3,112,106,997

Limitation on availability, 2004 ........................................................... 3,388,187,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,278,187,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,104,003 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

GSA is responsible for leasing general purpose space and land incident thereto for Federal agencies, except cases where GSA has

delegated its leasing authority (for example, the Department of

Veterans Affairs, as well as the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense). GSA’s policy is to lease privately owned buildings and land only when: (1) Federal space needs cannot be otherwise accommodated satisfactorily in existing Government-owned or

leased space; (2) leasing proves to be more efficient than the construction or alteration of a Federal building; (3) construction or alteration is not warranted because requirements in the community

are insufficient or are indefinite in scope or duration; or (4) completion of a new Federal building within a reasonable time cannot be

assured.

The Committee recommends a limitation of $3,278,187,000 for

rental of space. The Committee recommendation is $110,000,000

less than the budget request.
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BUILDING OPERATIONS

Limitation on availability, 2003 1 ......................................................... $1,964,463,117

Limitation on availability, 2004 ........................................................... 1,608,708,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,608,708,000

1 Reflects reduction of $696,883 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This activity provides for the operation of all Government-owned

facilities under the jurisdiction of GSA and building services in

GSA-leased space where the terms of the lease do not require the

lessor to furnish such services. Services included in building operations are cleaning, protection, maintenance, payments for utilities

and fuel, grounds maintenance, and elevator operations. Other related supporting services include various real property management and staff support activities such as space acquisition and assignment; the moving of Federal agencies as a result of space alterations in order to provide better space utilization in existing buildings; onsite inspection of building services and operations accomplished by private contractors; and various highly specialized contract administration support functions.

The space, operations, and services referred to above are furnished by GSA to its tenant agencies in return for payment of rent.

Due to considerations unique to their operation, GSA also provides

varying levels of above-standard services in agency headquarter facilities, including those occupied by the Executive Office of the

President, such as the east and west wings of the White House.

The Committee recommends a limitation of $1,608,708,000 for

building operations.

Environmental Training Program.—The Committee is pleased

with the significant cost savings recently demonstrated in the environmental analysis efforts undertaken by GSA in the National

Capitol Region. The Committee recommends that GSA extend this

environmental training and analysis program currently underway

to other GSA regions. The Committee urges GSA to work with its

existing partner to preserve continuity when expanding this program to the eight other GSA regions. The Committee also encourages the utilization of leased employees to implement these cost

savings programs in other GSA regions whenever possible.

GOVERNMENTWIDE POLICY 1

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 2 ........................................................................... $52,326,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 74,031,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 61,781,000

1 Account title and structure changed to reflect transfer of Office of Citizen Services to Operating Expenses, consistent with the President’s fiscal year 2004 budget request. 2 Reflects reduction of $431,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7 and $13,547,000

transferred to Operating Expenses.

The Office of Governmentwide Policy provides for Governmentwide policy development, support, and evaluation functions associated with real and personal property, supplies, vehicles, aircraft,

information technology, acquisition, transportation and travel management. This office also provides for the Federal Procurement

Data Center, Workplace Initiatives, Regulatory Information Service

Center, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, and the Com-
154

mittee Management Secretariat. The Office of Governmentwide

Policy, working cooperatively with other agencies, provides the

leadership needed to develop and evaluate the implementation of

policies designed to achieve the most cost-effective solutions for the

delivery of administrative services and sound workplace practices,

while reducing regulations and empowering employees.

The Office of Citizen Services provides leadership and support for

electronic government initiatives and operates the official Federal

portal through which citizens may access Federal information services electronically. The Federal Consumer Information Center is

part of this office, though funded under a separate appropriation. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $61,781,000 for Governmentwide Policy. This amount is $12,250,000 less than the

budget request. The Committee recommendation deletes

$12,250,000 that was requested to support the Government-wide

Interagency Council and has instead continued the general provision that allows for the funding of these activities.

Child Care Centers.—The Committee recommends that funds

provided to the Office of Policy and Operations continue to be used

to issue and enforce regulations requiring any entity operating a

child care center in a facility owned or leased by an executive agency to: (1) comply with applicable State and local licensing requirements related to the provision of child care and (2) comply with

center-based accreditation standards specified by the Administrator, if such a regulatory program is authorized.

Computers to Schools Program.—The Committee continues to be

aware that Indian tribal colleges and Alaska Native and Native

Hawaiian serving institutions are being asked to undertake an increasing number of activities in Native communities related to education, employment and other training as part of the ongoing ‘‘welfare to work’’ transition mandated by the 1996 welfare reform law.

To complement recent private sector donations of computers and

related equipment to Indian tribes and Alaska Native and Native

Hawaiian serving institutions, as part of its existing ‘‘Computers to

Schools’’ program, the General Services Administration [GSA] is

encouraged to continue to work with the 31 Indian tribal colleges

and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions to

provide assistance to them in developing and upgrading the colleges’ electronic capabilities. As part of this effort, GSA should utilize the 31 tribal colleges and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian

serving institutions as a discrete evaluation point as it works to

meet these equipment needs. GSA’s technical assistance will further enable the tribal colleges and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions to provide a higher quality of education

to their students.

Telecommuting Centers.—The Committee encourages GSA to continue to promote telecommuting centers within the Federal Government in the Washington, DC metropolitan area as an effective

means to provide an alternative workplace.

Energy Savings Performance Contracts.—Improved energy efficiency and conservation at Federal facilities is an important component of the economical use of public dollars and the protection of

the environment. The Committee is aware of GSA’s leadership in

energy and energy cost savings, and in the use of Energy Savings
155

Performance Contracts [ESPCs] in particular. Since ESPC authority was granted, GSA has entered into 30 contracts with annual energy savings totaling 400,000 million British thermal unit at an aggregated project investment amount of $89,000,000. The Committee

commends GSA’s efforts and encourages the expanded use of ESPC

contracts by GSA and other government agencies at locations

where such contracts will lead to further energy and energy cost

savings.

OPERATING EXPENSES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $85,536,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 85,083,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 85,083,000

1 Reflects reduction of $544,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7, and reduction of $11,130,000 transferred to Department of Homeland Security for FedCIRC, and an increase

of $13,547 transferred from Policy and Citizen Services.

Operating Expenses provides funding for Government-wide activities associated with the utilization and donation of surplus personal property; disposal of real property; telecommunications, information technology management, and related technology activities;

agency-wide policy direction and management; ancillary accounting, records management, and other support services; services as

authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and other related operational expenses. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $85,083,000 for

the Operating Expenses. The Committee includes the following increases: $100,000 for the continued use by Federal agencies by the

Iowa Communications Network for interactive multisite teleconferences; $2,000,000 to reimburse the U.S. Soccer Federation for

providing security, coordination, and direct assistance related to

the 2003 Federation of International Football Association Women’s

World Cup tournament; $500,000 for the Ruffner Mountain Educational Facility in Alabama; $500,000 for the Saenger Restoration

Project in Alabama; $1,000,000 for the Washington State Department of Transportation homeless children school access project;

$500,000 for the State of Alaska to assist in preparation for its

Statehood celebration; $500,000 for the State of Hawaii to assist in

preparation for its Statehood celebration; and $350,000 for the

Upper Great Plains Native American Telehealth program. These

increases will have no adverse effect on the operating budget due

to savings realized by the denial of the funds for non-recurring

items that was retained in the President’s request for fiscal year

2004.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $37,384,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 39,169,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 39,169,000

1 Reflects reduction of $246,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7, and reduction

of $286,000 transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.

This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and investigative

functions to identify and correct management and administrative

deficiencies within the General Services Administration [GSA], cre-
156

ating conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste

and mismanagement. This audit function provides internal audit

and contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional

advice to GSA contracting officials on accounting and financial

matters relative to the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review and evaluate all facets of GSA operations and programs, test internal control

systems, and develop information to improve operating efficiencies

and enhance customer services. The investigative function provides

for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities

involving GSA programs, personnel, and operations.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $39,169,000 for

the Office of Inspector General.

ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT [E-GOV] FUND

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $4,967,500

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 45,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $32,500 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This program supports interagency ‘‘electronic government’’ or ‘‘egov’’ initiatives, i.e., projects that use the Internet or other electronic methods to provide individuals, businesses, and other government agencies with simpler and more timely access to Federal

information, benefits, services, and business opportunities. The program furthers the Administration’s implementation of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act [GPEA] of 1998, which calls upon

agencies to provide the public with optional use and acceptance of

electronic information, services, and signatures, when practicable,

by October 2003.

Proposals for funding must meet capital planning guidelines and

include adequate documentation to demonstrate a sound business

case, attention to security and privacy, and a way to measure performance against planned results. In addition, a small portion of

the money could be used for awards to those project management

teams that delivered the best product to meet customer needs.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000 for

the Electronic Government Fund. This is $40,000,000 less than the

budget request and the same amount appropriated for fiscal year

2003.

ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $3,317,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 3,393,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,393,000

1 Reflects reduction of $22,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This appropriation provides support consisting of pensions, office

staffs, and related expenses for former Presidents Gerald R. Ford,

Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and William Jefferson Clinton, and for pension and postal franking privileges for the

widow of former President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Committee recommends $3,393,000 for allowances and office

staff for former Presidents.
157

Below is listed a detailed breakdown of the fiscal year 2004 funding:

[In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year 2004 request—former Presidents

Widows Total

Ford Carter Reagan Bush Clinton

Personnel Compensation ............................. 96 96 96 96 113 .............. 497

Personnel Benefits ....................................... 24 6 34 52 56 .............. 172

Benefits for Former Presidents ................... 175 175 175 175 180 20 900

Travel ........................................................... 50 2 2 55 41 .............. 150

Rental Payments to GSA ............................. 120 102 145 174 445 .............. 986

Communications, Utilities and Miscellaneous charges:

Telephone ............................................ 20 25 26 14 72 .............. 157

Postage ............................................... 18 20 10 14 10 2 74

Printing ........................................................ 4 5 12 14 8 .............. 43

Other Services ............................................. 10 62 26 67 138 .............. 303

Supplies & Materials ................................... 16 6 13 13 17 .............. 65

Equipment ................................................... 2 9 2 14 19 .............. 46

Total Obligations ............................ 535 508 541 688 1,099 22 3,393

GENERAL PROVISIONS—GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Section 401 authorizes GSA to credit accounts with certain funds

received from Government corporations.

Section 402 authorizes GSA to use funds for the hire of passenger motor vehicles.

Section 403 authorizes GSA to transfer funds within the Federal

buildings fund for meeting program requirements.

Section 404 limits funding for courthouse construction which

does not meet certain standards of a capital improvement plan.

Section 405 provides that no funds may be used to increase the

amount of occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any

agency which does not pay the requested rate.

Section 406 allows pilot information technology projects to be repaid from the information technology fund.

Section 407 authorizes GSA to pay claims up to $2,000,000 from

construction projects and acquisition of buildings.

Section 408 authorizes GSA to acquire 27 acres of land, identified

as Site 7 and located at 234 Corporate Drive, Pease International

Tradeport, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801 to design and construct a new Federal Office Building.

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $31,818,825

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 35,503,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 35,503,000

1 Reflects reduction of $208,176 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

MSPB assists Federal agencies in running a merit-based civil

service system. This is accomplished on a case-by-case basis

through hearing and deciding employee appeals, and on a systemic

basis by reviewing significant actions and regulations of the Office

of Personnel Management [OPM] and conducting studies of the
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civil service and other merit systems. These actions are designed

to assure that personnel actions taken against employees are processed within the law, and that actions taken by OPM and other

agencies support and enhance Federal merit principles. The Committee recommends an appropriation of $35,503,000 for

the Merit Systems Protection Board [MSPB].

MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOUNDATION

FEDERAL PAYMENT TO MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND

EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOUNDATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,983,026

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 372,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,996,000

1 Reflects reduction of $12,974 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The General Fund payment to the Morris K. Udall Fund is invested in Treasury securities with maturities suitable to the needs

of the Fund. Interest earnings from the investments are used to

carry out the activities of the Morris K. Udall Foundation. The

Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships and grants, and funds

activities of the Udall Center.

Public Law 106–568 authorized the Morris K. Udall Foundation

to establish training programs for professionals in health care policy and public policy, such as the Native Nations Institute [NNI].

NNI, based at the University of Arizona, will provide Native Americans with leadership and management training and analyze policies relevant to tribes.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,996,000 for

these activities of the Morris K. Udall Foundation. The Committee

includes language to allow up to 60 percent of the appropriation to

be used for the expenses of the Native Nations Institute. The Committee also includes language requiring the Foundation to report to

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the

amount of funding, if any, transferred from the Trust Fund for the

Native Nations Institute and justification for such transfers. This

report should include an itemization of planned Native Nations Institute expenditures for fiscal year 2004. Future budget justifications submitted to Congress regarding this effort are to contain detailed information on the actual expenditures of past years as well

as detailed information on planned expenditures for the current

and future budget years.

MORRIS K. UDALL ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,300,492

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 700,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,309,000

1 Reflects reduction of $8,509 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution is a

Federal program established by Public Law 105–156 to assist parties in resolving environmental, natural resource, and public lands

conflicts. The Institute is part of the Morris K. Udall Foundation,

and serves as an impartial, non-partisan institution providing professional expertise, services, and resources to all parties involved in
159

such disputes. The Institute helps parties determine whether collaborative problem solving is appropriate for specific environmental

conflicts, how and when to bring all the parties together for discussion, and whether a third-party facilitator or mediator might be

helpful in assisting the parties in their efforts to each consensus or

to resolve the conflict. In addition, the Institute maintains a roster

of qualified facilitators and mediators with substantial experience

in environmental conflict resolution, and can help parties in selecting an appropriate neutral.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $248,250,813

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 294,105,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 258,191,000

1 Reflects reduction of $1,624,188 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

NARA provides for basic operations dealing with management of

the Federal Government’s archives and records, operation of Presidential Libraries, and for the review for declassification of classified security information.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $258,191,000 for

Operating Expenses of the National Archives and archived Federal

records and related activities. This amount is $35,914,000 less than

the budget request due to the deferment of funding for the Electronic Records Archives.

Electronic Records Archives.—National Archives and Records Administration [NARA] is developing an Electronic Records Archives

[ERA] that will ensure the preservation of and access to Government electronic records. ERA will preserve electronic records generated in a variety of formats, and enable requesters to access

them on computer systems now and in the future. The upcoming

system development tasks include completing a systems requirement specification, system architecture, and system design for

ERA.

The Committee recognizes that the development of ERA is a substantial undertaking due to the sheer volume and complexity of the

records that are generated by the Federal Government. This effort

is further complicated by the dynamic and evolving nature of information technology development and the fact that this is the first

system of its kind.

The General Accounting Office [GAO] and the National Academies of Science have reviewed NARA’s initial development plans

for ERA, identified areas of risk, and made recommendations for

improvement. In particular, the Committee is concerned with the

GAO’s assertion that NARA may be unable to independently track

the cost and schedule of the ERA project. Given both the importance and obvious magnitude of ERA, the Committee intends to

carefully monitor NARA’s acquisition plans, staffing levels and

ability to meet established deadlines. In that regard, the Committee directs GAO to provide a further progress report on NARA’s

development of ERA and to report its findings to the House and

Senate Committees on Appropriations by May 22, 2004.
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ARCHIVES FACILITIES REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $14,115,648

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 6,458,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 13,483,000

1 Reflects reduction of $92,352 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

This account provides for the repair, alteration, and improvement

of Archives facilities and Presidential Libraries nationwide, and

provides adequate storage for holdings. It will better enable the

National Archives to maintain its facilities in proper condition for

public visitors, researchers, and employees in NARA facilities, and

also maintain the structural integrity of the buildings. These funds

will determine appropriate options for preserving and providing access to 20th century military service records. These funds will

allow NARA to complete preliminary design studies and analysis,

including workflow and cost estimates, for housing and access options for these massive and valuable records. Technology and facility approaches will also be examined.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,483,000.

The Committee has included $2,025,000 to complete the purchase

of land in Anchorage, Alaska, to build a new regional archives and

record facility. The funds will be used to reimburse the General

Service Administration for land acquisition services and for the

purchase of approximately 10 acres of land. The recommendation

also provides $5,000,000 for the repair and restoration of the plaza

that surrounds the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library at

the University of Texas.

NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION

GRANTS PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $6,457,750

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 5,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,000,000

1 Reflects reduction of $42,250 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission

[NHPRC] provides grants nationwide to preserve and publish

records that document American history. Administered within the

National Archives, which preserves Federal records, NHPRC helps

State, local, and private institutions preserve non-Federal records,

helps publish the papers of major figures in American history, and

helps archivists and records managers improve their techniques,

training, and ability to serve a range of information users.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000.

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $71,979,075

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 71,480,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 72,170,000

1 Reflects reduction of $470,925 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB], as an independent nonregulatory agency, is charged with promoting transpor-
161

tation safety through the investigation of accidents, the conduct of

special studies, the development of recommendations to prevent accidents, the evaluation of the effectiveness of other Government

agencies in preventing transportation accidents, and the review of

appeals of adverse certificate and civil penalty actions taken by the

Administrators of agencies of the Department of Transportation involving airman and seaman certificates and licenses. The bill includes $72,170,000 for the National Transportation Safety Board. The Committee recommendation is $690,000 more

than the budget request to allow NTSB to maintain its current

staffing level.

Child Safety Seats.—The Committee notes that not all child safety seats that meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

standards are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration for

air travel. Likewise, seats are not adequately labeled to make it

clear to airline personnel whether seats are permitted aboard aircraft causing delays during boarding as the passenger searches for

evidence of FAA certification. To alleviate this problem, the National Transportation Safety Board, in consultation with the appropriate modal administrations and industry groups, should make

recommendations for unified standards that meet both NHTSA and

FAA requirements. Such recommendations should include clear,

conspicuous, and consistent labeling requirements on the packaging and the seat to inform both consumers and airline personnel.

EMERGENCY FUNDING

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. ...........................

Budget estimate, 2004 (limitation) ....................................................... $600,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 600,000

The National Transportation Safety Board is mandated by Congress to investigate all catastrophic transportation accidents and,

therefore, has no control over the frequency of costly accident investigations. The emergency fund provides a funding mechanism by

which periodic accident investigation cost fluctuations can be met

without delaying critical phases of the investigations.

For fiscal year 2004, the administration has requested a funding

level of $600,000 to replenish the emergency fund to its authorized

level of $2,000,000. The Committee has provided the requested

amount.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $10,488,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 10,738,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 10,738,000

1 Reflects reduction of $89,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

OGE is charged by law to provide overall direction of Executive

Branch policies designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure

high ethical standards. OGE carries out these responsibilities by

developing rules and regulations pertaining to conflicts of interest,

post employment restrictions, standards of conduct, and public and

confidential financial disclosure in the Executive Branch; by monitoring compliance with the public and confidential disclosure re-
162

quirements of the Ethics Reform Act of 1978 and the Ethics Reform

Act of 1989 to determine possible violations of applicable laws or

regulations and recommending appropriate corrective action; by

consulting with and assisting various officials in evaluating the effectiveness of applicable laws and the resolution of individual problems; and by preparing formal advisory opinions, informal letter

opinions, policy memoranda, and Federal Register entries on how

to interpret and comply with the requirements on conflicts of interest, post employment, standards of conduct, and financial disclosure.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,738,000 for

salaries and expenses of the Office of Government Ethics [OGE] in

fiscal year 2004.

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $128,644,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 118,748,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 118,748,000

1 Reflects reduction of $842,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of Personnel Management [OPM] is the Federal Government agency responsible for management of Federal human resources policy and oversight of the merit civil service system. Although individual agencies are increasingly responsible for personnel operations, OPM provides a Governmentwide policy framework for personnel matters, advises and assists agencies (often on

a reimbursable basis), and ensures that agency operations are consistent with requirements of law on issues such as veterans preference. OPM oversees examining of applicants for employment,

issues regulations and policies on hiring, classification and pay,

training, investigations, other aspects of personnel management,

and operates a reimbursable training program for the Federal Government’s managers and executives. OPM is also responsible for

administering the retirement, health benefits and life insurance

programs affecting most Federal employees, retired Federal employees, and their survivors.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $118,748,000 for

the salaries and expenses of the Office of Personnel Management

[OPM].

Retirement Systems Modernization.—The Committee is aware

that the Office of Personnel Management initiated a Retirement

Systems Modernization Program in 1997 to automate and streamline the manual and paper-intensive business processes used to administer the Federal employee retirement program. Two years ago,

the Committee recommended that OPM reach out to GAO for guidance and support because OPM could benefit from the experiences

that GAO has documented with other Federal agency modernization projects. OPM did not act on the Committee’s suggestion,

therefore, last year, the Committee directed OPM to conduct quarterly meetings with GAO on the progress of the IT modernization

project. These meetings did not occur quarterly. Instead, only one

meeting occurred in 2002 and none in 2003. The Committee is now

aware that this mufti-year effort has been plagued with problems.
163

The Committee is disappointed by this lack of cooperation and

therefore directs GAO to do a comprehensive audit on the problems

and any mismanagement of the modernization project.

LIMITATION

(TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

Limitation, 2003 ..................................................................................... $120,006,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 135,914,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 135,914,000

These funds will be transferred from the appropriate trust funds

of the Office of Personnel Management to cover administrative expenses for the retirement and insurance programs.

The Committee recommends a limitation of $135,914,000.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $1,509,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 1,498,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,498,000

1 Reflects reduction of $10,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Office of Inspector General is charged with establishing policies for conducting and coordinating efforts which promote economy, efficiency, and integrity in the Office of Personnel Management’s activities which prevent and detect fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the agency’s programs. Contract audits provide

professional advice to agency contracting officials on accounting

and financial matters regarding the negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal agency audits review and evaluate all facets of agency operations, including

financial statements. Evaluation and inspection services provide

detailed technical evaluations of agency operations. Insurance audits review the operations of health and life insurance carriers,

health care providers, and insurance subscribers. The investigative

function provides for the detection and investigation of improper

and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.

Administrative sanctions debar from participation in the health insurance program those health care providers whose conduct may

pose a threat to the financial integrity of the program itself or to

the well-being of insurance program enrollees.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,498,000 for

salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General in fiscal

year 2004.

(LIMITATION ON TRANSFER FROM TRUST FUNDS)

Limitation, 2003 ..................................................................................... $10,815,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 14,427,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 14,427,000

The Committee recommends a limitation on transfers from the

trust funds in support of the Office of Inspector General activities

totaling $14,427,000 for fiscal year 2004.
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GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES HEALTH

BENEFITS

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $6,853,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 7,219,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 7,219,000,000

This appropriation covers the Government’s share of the cost of

health insurance for annuitants covered by the Federal Employees

Health Benefits Program and the Retired Federal Employees

Health Benefits Act of 1960, as well as administrative expenses incurred by OPM for these programs.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,219,000,000

for Government payments for annuitants, employees health benefits.

GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEE LIFE

INSURANCE

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $34,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 35,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 35,000,000

Public Law 96–427, the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance

Act of 1980 requires that all employees under the age of 65 who

separate from the Federal Government for purposes of retirement

on or after January 1, 1990, continue to make contributions toward

their basic life insurance coverage after retirement until they reach

the age of 65. These retirees will contribute two-thirds of the cost

of the basic life insurance premium, identical to the amount contributed by active Federal employees for basic life insurance coverage. As with the active Federal employees, the Government is required to contribute one-third of the cost of the premium for basic

coverage. OPM, acting as the payroll office on behalf of Federal retirees, has requested, and the Committee has provided, the funding

necessary to make the required Government contribution associated with annuitants’ postretirement life insurance coverage.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $35,000,000 for

the Government payment for annuitants, employee life insurance.

This amount equals the budget request.

PAYMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. $9,410,000,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 9,987,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 9,987,000,000

The civil service retirement and disability fund was established

in 1920 to administer the financing and payment of annuities to retired Federal employees and their survivors. The fund covers the

operation of the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal

Employees’ Retirement System.

This appropriation provides for the Government’s share of retirement costs, transfers of interest on the unfunded liability and annuity disbursements attributable to military service, and survivor

annuities to eligible former spouses of some annuitants who did not

elect survivor coverage.
165

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,987,000,000

for payment to the civil service retirement and disability fund. The

Committee recommendation equals the budget estimate.

HUMAN CAPITAL PERFORMANCE FUND

Appropriations, 2003 ............................................................................. ...........................

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... $500,000,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ...........................

The Human Capital Performance Fund is designed to create performance-driven pay systems for employees and reinforce the value

of employee performance management systems. The administration

proposes providing additional pay over and above any annual,

across-the-board pay raise to certain civilian employees based on

individual or organizational performance and/or other critical agency human capital needs. Under the proposal the current GS system

would remain unchanged. Individual employees would remain at

their existing GS levels and on schedule for all routine pay raises

such as a within-grade increase. Any pay increase received from

the Fund would be treated as increases to base pay for retirement

and other purposes and would stay with an employee throughout

his/her career.

The Committee agrees with the concept but denies the creation

of the Human Capital Performance Fund. The Committee believes

that an initiative of this type should be budgeted and administered

within each individual agency.

OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $12,368,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 13,504,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 13,504,000

1 Reflects reduction of $81,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

OSC investigates Federal employee allegations of prohibited personnel practices and, when appropriate, prosecutes cases before the

Merit Systems Protection Board and enforces the Hatch Act. OSC

also provides a channel for whistleblowing by Federal employees,

and may transmit whistleblowing allegations to the agency head

concerned and require an agency investigation and a report to Congress and the President when appropriate.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,504,000 for

the Office of Special Counsel [OSC].

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $76,121,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 65,521,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 65,521,000

1 Reflects reduction of $498,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

Pursuant to Public Law 93–328, the fiscal year 2004 appropriation request of the U.S. Postal Service for Payment to the Postal

Service Fund is $65,521,000. This amount includes: $55,685,000 re-
166

quested for free mail for the blind and overseas voting; $19,164,000

as a reconciliation adjustment for 2001 actual mail volume of free

mail for the blind and overseas voting; and $29,000,000 for prior

years’ liability under the Revenue Forgone Reform Act of 1993. In

addition to these funds, $31,014,000 (an advance appropriation

from 2003 for the 2003 costs and the 2000 reconciliation adjustment for free mail for the blind and overseas voting) will become

available to the U.S. Postal Service in fiscal year 2004.

Revenue forgone on free and reduced-rate mail enables postage

rates to be set at levels below the unsubsidized rates for certain

categories of mail as authorized by subsections (c) and (d) of section

2401 of title 39, United States Code. Free mail for the blind and

overseas voters will continue to be provided at the funding level

recommended by the Committee. The Committee recommends a total of $65,521,000 in fiscal year

2004 funding and advanced appropriations for payments to the

Postal Service Fund.

The Committee includes provisions in the bill that would assure

that mail for overseas voting and mail for the blind shall continue

to be free; that 6-day delivery and rural delivery of mail shall continue at the 1983 level; and that none of the funds provided be

used to consolidate or close small rural and other small post offices

in fiscal year 2004. These are services that must be maintained in

fiscal year 2004 and beyond.

The Committee believes that 6-day mail delivery is one of the

most important services provided by the Federal Government to its

citizens. Especially in rural and small town America, this critical

postal service is the linchpin that serves to bind the Nation together.

The Committee is aware that the Postal Service has had a freeze

on construction of new postal facilities since 2001. There are some

areas in desperate need of a new facility. The Committee directs

the Postal Service to evaluate these needs and report within 60

days of the enactment of this Act on the current conditions of these

Post Offices and when a replacement will be built.

Post Office Hours of Operation.—The Committee is aware of the

U.S. Postal Service efforts to promote efficiency by reducing the

hours of operation at certain Post Offices across the nation. The

Committee is concerned that the Postal Service has reduced customer service hours without adequate consideration of peak hour

public use. The Committee directs the Postal Service to work with

the various communities including East Brewton, Alabama, to review the hours of operation that will best serve the community and

report to the Committees on Appropriations on the results of the

review.

Memphis, Tennessee.—The Committee is aware of efforts by the

city of Memphis, Tennessee, to relocate certain U.S. Postal Service

facilities from their current position on the Memphis Riverfront to

another location. The Committee directs the U.S. Postal Service to

enter into discussions with the city of Memphis regarding plans to

relocate the U.S. Postal Service and customer service center that

is currently located in the Customs House building. Relocation of

these facilities will reconnect downtown to the riverfront and facilitate revitalization efforts.
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UNITED STATES TAX COURT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $37,063,000

Budget estimate, 2004 ........................................................................... 40,187,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 40,187,000

1 Reflects reduction of $242,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The U.S. Tax Court is an independent judicial body in the legislative branch under article I of the Constitution of the United

States. The court is composed of a chief judge and 18 judges. Decisions by the court are reviewable by the U.S. Courts of Appeals

and, if certiorari is granted, by the Supreme Court.

In their judicial duties the judges are assisted by senior judges,

who participate in the adjudication of regular cases, and by special

trial judges, who hear small tax cases and certain regular cases assigned to them by the chief judge.

The court conducts trial sessions throughout the United States,

including Hawaii and Alaska. The matters over which the Court

has jurisdiction are set forth in various sections of title 26 of the

United States Code.

Tax Court Independent Counsel Fund.—This fund is established

pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7475. The fund is used by the Tax Court to

employ independent counsel to pursue disciplinary matters involving practitioners admitted to practice before the Court.

Tax Court Judges Survivors Annuity Fund.—This fund established pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7448, is used to pay survivorship benefits to eligible surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased judges of the U.S. Tax Court. Participating judges pay 3.5

percent of their salaries or retired pay into the fund to cover creditable service for which payment is required. Additional funds, as

are needed, are provided through the annual appropriation to the

U.S. Tax Court.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,187,000 for

the U.S. Tax Court.

WHITE HOUSE COMMISSION ON THE NATIONAL MOMENT OF

REMEMBRANCE

Appropriations, 2003 1 ........................................................................... $248,000

Budget estimate, 2003 ........................................................................... 250,000

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 250,000

1 Reflects reduction of $2,000 pursuant to section 601 of Public Law 108–7.

The Commission was established and authorized by Public Law

106–579. The Commission will also accept gifts and generate product royalty revenue in order to revitalize the national understanding and commemoration of Memorial Day.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $250,000 for the

White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. This is the same as the President’s request.

STATEMENT CONCERNING GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Transportation, Treasury and General Government appropriation bill includes general provisions which govern both the activities of the agencies covered by the bill, and, in some cases, ac-
168

tivities of agencies, programs, and general government activities

that are not covered by the bill. General provisions that are governmentwide in scope are contained in title VI of this bill.

The bill contains a number of general provisions that have been

carried in this bill for years and which are routine in nature and

scope. General provisions in the bill are explained under this section of the report. Those general provisions that deal with a single

agency only are shown immediately following that particular agency’s or department’s appropriation accounts in the bill. Those general provisions that address activities or directives affecting all of

the agencies covered in this bill are contained in title V.
(169)

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS THIS ACT

Section 501 allows funds for maintenance and operation of aircraft; motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or allowances,

as authorized by law.

Section 502 requires pay raises to be absorbed within appropriated levels in this Act or previous appropriations Acts.

Section 503 limits appropriations for services authorized by 5

U.S.C. 3109 not to exceed the rate for an Executive Level IV.

Section 504 prohibits funds in this Act for salaries and expenses

of more than 106 political and Presidential appointees in the Department of Transportation, and prohibits political and Presidential personnel to be assigned on temporary detail outside the

Department of Transportation or an independent agency funded in

this Act.

Section 505 prohibits pay and other expenses for non-Federal

parties in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this

Act.

Section 506 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal year

and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided herein.

Section 507 limits consulting service expenditures.

Section 508 prohibits funds for the implementation of section 404

of title 23, U.S.C.

Section 509 prohibits recipients of funds made available in this

Act to release personal information, including a social security

number, medical or disability information, and photographs from a

driver’s license or motor vehicle record without express consent of

the person to whom such information pertains; and prohibits the

Secretary from withholding funds provided in this Act for any

grantee if a State is in noncompliance with this provision.

Section 510 allows funds received by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration from States, counties, municipalities, other

public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for

training may be credited to each agency’s respective accounts.

Section 511 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allow

issuers of any preferred stock to redeem or repurchase preferred

stock sold to the Department of Transportation.

Section 512 prohibits funds in this Act to make a grant unless

the Secretary of Transportation notifies the House and Senate

Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business days before

any discretionary grant award, letter of intent, or full funding

grant agreement totaling $1,000,000 or more is announced by the

Department or its modal administration.

Section 513 allows rebates, refunds, incentive payments, minor

fees and other funds received by the Department of Transportation

from travel management center, charge card programs, subleasing
170

of building space and miscellaneous sources are to be credit to appropriations of the Department of Transportation.

Section 514 prohibits funds for the Office of the Secretary of

Transportation to approve assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this Act, unless such assessments or agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for Congressional notification.

Section 515 requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a

report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee annually on the safety and security of transportation into the United

States by Mexico-domiciled motor carriers.

Section 516 prohibits funds in this Act to be transferred without

express authority.

Section 517 limits the fiscal year 2004 Working Capital Fund for

the Department of Transportation.

Section 518 amends prior Surface Transportation Laws, ISTEA

High Priority Corridors.

Section 519 allows that amounts from improper payments to a

third party contractor that are lawfully recovered by the Department of Transportation shall be available to cover expenses incurred in recovery of such payments.

Section 520 authorizes the transfer of unexpended sums from

‘‘Minority Business Outreach’’ to ‘‘Office of the Secretary, Salaries

and expenses’’.

Section 521 limits expenditures for consulting service through

procurement contracts where such expenditures are a matter of

public record and available for public inspection.

Section 522 ensures that the proposed rules fully and accurately

reflect the finding in the General Accounting Office regarding the

adequacy of the Department’s procedures.

Section 523 protects employment rights of Federal employees

who return to their civilian jobs after assignment with the Armed

Forces.

Section 524 prohibits the use of funds in compliance with the

Buy American Act.

Section 525 sense of the Congress to purchase only Americanmade equipment and products.

Section 526 prohibits any person from intentionally affixing a

label bearing a ‘‘Made in America’’ inscription or any inscription

with the same meaning to products not made in America; such person will be ineligible to receive any contract or subcontract pursuant to this Act.

Section 527 ensures that 50 percent of unobligated balances may

remain available for certain purposes.

Section 528 restricts the use of funds for the White House to request official background reports without the written consent of the

individual who is the subject of the report.

Section 529 ensures that the cost accounting standard shall not

apply with respect to a contract under the Federal Employees

Health Benefits Program.

Section 530 reference non-foreign area cost of living allowances.

Section 531 prohibits the use of funds by any person or entity

convicted of violating the Buy American Act.
171

Section 532 allows bridges that are owned and operated by a

State agency whose toll revenues are administered by a Metropolitan Plan Organization to use toll revenues for other transportation

costs.

Section 533 reduces certain activities within administrative accounts by $128,076,000 to be administered by the Director, Office

of Management and Budget within 30 days of enactment of this

Act.

Section 534 prohibits the use of funds in title I of this Act to

change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro

Airport.

Section 535 extends the Breast Cancer Stamp authorization (39

U.S.C. 414(h)) until 2005.

Section 536 directs FTA and FHWA to work with the Utah Transit Authority and the Utah Department of Transportation to coordinate the development of the regional commuter rail and the northern segment of I–15 reconstruction in Wasatch Front corridor extending from Brigham City to Payson, Utah.
(172)

TITLE VI—GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENTS,

AGENCIES, AND CORPORATIONS

Section 601 authorizes agencies to pay travel costs of the families

of Federal employees on foreign duty to return to the United States

in the event of death or a life threatening illness of an employee.

Section 602 requires agencies to administer a policy designed to

ensure that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled substances.

Section 603 limits the price on vehicles to be purchased by the

Federal Government.

Section 604 allows funds made available to agencies for travel to

also be used for quarters allowances and cost-of-living allowances.

Section 605 prohibits the Government, with certain specified exceptions, from employing non-U.S. citizens whose posts of duty

would be in the continental United States.

Section 606 ensures that agencies will have authority to pay the

General Services Administration bills for space renovation and

other services.

Section 607 allows agencies to finance the costs of recycling and

waste prevention programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such programs.

Section 608 provides that funds may be used to pay rent and

other service costs in the District of Columbia.

Section 609 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay the

salary of any nominee after the Senate voted not to approve the

nomination.

Section 610 precludes interagency financing of groups absent

prior statutory approval.

Section 611 authorizes the Postal Service to employ guards.

Section 612 prohibits the use of appropriated funds for enforcing

regulations disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of

the United States.

Section 613 limits the pay increases of certain prevailing rate

employees.

Section 614 limits the amount that can be used for redecoration

of offices under certain circumstances.

Section 615 permits interagency funding of national security and

emergency preparedness telecommunications initiatives, which benefit multiple Federal departments, agencies, and entities.

Section 616 requires agencies to certify that a schedule C appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the White House.

Section 617 requires agencies to administer a policy designed to

ensure that all of its workplaces are free from discrimination and

sexual harassment.
173

Section 618 prohibits the use of funds to prevent Federal employees from communicating with Congress or to take disciplinary or

personnel actions against employees for such communication.

Section 619 prohibits training not directly related to the performance of official duties.

Section 620 prohibits the expenditure of funds for the implementation of agreements in certain nondisclosure policies unless certain

provisions are included in the policies.

Section 621 prohibits use of appropriated funds for publicity or

propaganda designed to support or defeat legislation pending before Congress.

Section 622 prohibits use of appropriated funds by an agency to

provide Federal employees home address to labor organizations.

Section 623 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to provide

nonpublic information such as mailing or telephone lists to any

person or organization outside of the Government.

Section 624 prohibits the use of appropriated funds for publicity

or propaganda purposes within the United States not authorized by

Congress.

Section 625 directs agencies employees to use official time in an

honest effort to perform official duties.

Section 626 authorizes the use of current fiscal year funds to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.

Section 627 authorizes agencies to transfer funds to or reimburse

the Policy and Operations account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.

Section 628 prohibits the use of funds in this or any other Act

to operate an online employment information service for the Federal Government under quotation number SOLO30000003 or to

prohibit any agency from using appropriated funds as they see fit

to independently contract with private companies to provide online

employment applications and processing services.

Section 629 authorizes breastfeeding at any location in a Federal

building or on Federal property.

Section 630 permits interagency funding of the National Science

and Technology Council.

Section 631 requires identification of the Federal agencies providing Federal funds and the amount provided for all proposals, solicitations, grant applications, forms, notifications, press releases,

or other publications related to the distribution of funding to a

State.

Section 632 continues a provision which extends the authorization for franchise fund pilots for 1 year with modification.

Section 633 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to

monitor personal information relating to the use of Federal internet sites; the conferees apply this provision government-wide.

Section 634 continues a provision regarding contraceptive coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.

Section 635 clarifies that the United States Anti-Doping Agency

is the official anti-doping agency for Olympic, Pan American, and

Paralympic sport in the United States.
174

Section 636 is a new provision regarding Federal employee pay

adjustments.

Section 637 directs departments and agencies to comply with the

Rural Development Act of 1972.

Section 638 prohibits the purchase of a product or service offered

by the Federal Prison Industries, Inc., unless the Agency making

such purchase determines that such product or service provides the

best value.

Section 639 allows the use of appropriated funds for official travel by Federal departments and agencies to participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.

Section 640 requires each Department and Agency to evaluate

the creditworthiness of an individual before issuing the individual

a government purchase charge card or travel card.

Sections 641 prohibits the expenditure of funds for the acquisition of additional Federal Law Enforcement Training facilities.

Section 642 requires each agency to report on competitive

sourcing activities.
(175)

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE

Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment to

the House bill ‘‘which proposes an item of appropriation which is

not made to carry out the provisions of an existing law, a treaty

stipulation, or an act or resolution previously passed by the Senate

during that session.’’

The Committee recommends the following appropriations which

lack authorization:

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary of Transportation: Payments to air carriers

Federal Aviation Administration:

Operations

Facilities and equipment

Research, engineering and development

Grants-in-aid to airports

Small community air service development

Federal Highway Administration:

Federal-aid highways

Appalachian development highway system

Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

Motor carrier safety

National motor carrier safety program

Border enforcement program

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Operations and research

Highway traffic safety grants

National driver register

Federal Railroad Administration:

Safety and operations

Alaska railroad rehabilitation

Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation

Federal Transit Administration:

Administrative expenses

Formula grants

University transportation centers

Transit planning and research

Capitol investment grants

Job access and reverse commute grants

St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Maritime Administration:

Maritime security program

Operations and training

Ship disposal
176

Maritime loan guarantee loan program

Research and Special Programs Administration: Research and

special programs, hazardous materials safety

Bureau of Transportation Statistics (drawdown from Federal-aid

highways)

Surface Transportation Board

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Departmental Offices:

Salaries and expenses

Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments Program

Air Transportation Stabilization Program

Treasury Building and annex, repair and restoration

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, salaries and expenses

Financial Management Service, salaries and expenses

Internal Revenue Service:

Processing, assistance, and management

Tax law enforcement

Earned Income Tax Credit

Information systems

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The White House Office, salaries and expenses

Office of Homeland Security

Executive Residence at the White House, operating expenses

Special Assistance to the President, salaries and expenses

Council of Economic Advisers, salaries and expenses

National Security Council, salaries and expenses

Office of Administration, salaries and expenses

Office of Management and Budget, salaries and expenses

Office of National Drug Control Policy, salaries and expenses

Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center, salaries and expenses

High-intensity drug trafficking areas

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Federal Election Commission, salaries and expenses

Federal Labor Relations Authority, salaries and expenses

General Services Administration, Federal buildings fund, limitations on availability of revenue: Construction and Acquisition of Facilities

National Historical Publications and Records Commission

National Transportation Safety Board

Office of Government Ethics, salaries and expenses

U.S. Tax Court, salaries and expenses

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(C), RULE XXVI, OF THE

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE

Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on September 4, 2003,

the Committee ordered reported en bloc: S. 1585, an original bill

making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice,

and State, the judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal year

ending September 30, 2004; S. 1589, an original bill making appro-
177

priations for the Departments of Transportation and Treasury, the

Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies

for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004; and S. 1584, an

original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry

independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004; each subject to

amendment and each subject to the budget allocations, by a recorded vote of 29–0, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:

Yeas Nays

Chairman Stevens

Mr. Cochran

Mr. Specter

Mr. Domenici

Mr. Bond

Mr. McConnell

Mr. Burns

Mr. Shelby

Mr. Gregg

Mr. Bennett

Mr. Campbell

Mr. Craig

Mrs. Hutchison

Mr. DeWine

Mr. Brownback

Mr. Byrd

Mr. Inouye

Mr. Hollings

Mr. Leahy

Mr. Harkin

Ms. Mikulski

Mr. Reid

Mr. Kohl

Mrs. Murray

Mr. Dorgan

Mrs. Feinstein

Mr. Durbin

Mr. Johnson

Ms. Landrieu

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE

Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports on

a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute or part

of any statute include ‘‘(a) the text of the statute or part thereof

which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a comparative print of

that part of the bill or joint resolution making the amendment and

of the statute or part thereof proposed to be amended, showing by

stricken-through type and italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical devices the omissions and insertions which

would be made by the bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form

recommended by the committee.’’
178

In compliance with this rule, the following changes in existing

law proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing

law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is

printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is proposed

is shown in roman.

With respect to this bill, it is the opinion of the Committee that

it is necessary to dispense with these requirements in order to expedite the business of the Senate.

BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL

PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC.

308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93–344, AS AMENDED

[In millions of dollars]

Budget authority Outlays

Committee

allocation Amount of bill Committeeallocation Amount of bill

Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations

to its subcommittees of amounts in the Budget Resolution

for 2004: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury:

Mandatory ............................................................................ 17,518 17,518 17,516 1 17,516

General purpose ................................................................... 26,041 26,038 33,397 1 33,397

Highway ............................................................................... .................... .................... 31,555 1 31,555

Mass transit ........................................................................ 1,461 1,461 6,634 1 6,632

Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation:

2004 ..................................................................................... .................... .................... .................... 2 47,575

2005 ..................................................................................... .................... .................... .................... 7,310

2006 ..................................................................................... .................... .................... .................... 2,740

2007 ..................................................................................... .................... .................... .................... 1,640

2008 and future years ........................................................ .................... .................... .................... 1,821

Financial assistance to State and local governments for

2004 ......................................................................................... NA 1,713 NA 10,437

1 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

2 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

NA: Not applicable.
179

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 87,574 108,931 91,276 ∂3,702 ¥17,655

Immediate Office of the Secretary .................................................................................................................... (2,197) ............................ (2,500) (∂303) (∂2,500)Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary ........................................................................................................ (804) ............................ (706) (¥98) (∂706)Immediate office of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary ................................................................................. ............................ (5,149) ............................ ............................ (¥5,149)Office of the General Counsel ........................................................................................................................... (15,555) (15,992) (15,403) (¥152) (¥589)Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation Policy ................................................................................... (12,371) (12,717) (12,312) (¥59) (¥405)Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs ........................................................................... (8,321) (8,630) (8,536) (∂215) (¥94)Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs ............................................................................. (2,437) (2,518) (2,477) (∂40) (¥41)Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration ....................................................................................... (28,882) (34,351) (28,882) ............................ (¥5,469)Office of Public Affairs ..................................................................................................................................... (1,913) (1,982) (1,915) (∂2) (¥67)Executive Secretariat ......................................................................................................................................... (1,382) ............................ (1,458) (∂76) (∂1,458)Board of Contract Appeals ................................................................................................................................ (607) (730) (700) (∂93) (¥30)Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization ................................................................................ (1,296) (1,268) (1,268) (¥28) ............................Office of Intelligence and Security ................................................................................................................... ............................ (2,225) (1,792) (∂1,792) (¥433)Office of the Chief Information Officer ............................................................................................................. (13,101) (23,369) (13,327) (∂226) (¥10,042)Transfer to Homeland Security .......................................................................................................................... (¥1,292) ............................ ............................ (∂1,292) ............................

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... (87,574) (108,931) (91,276) (∂3,702) (¥17,655)

Office of Civil Rights ................................................................................................................................................. 8,643 8,569 8,569 ¥74 ............................Transportation planning, research, and development ............................................................................................... 20,864 10,836 15,836 ¥5,028 ∂5,000Working capital fund .................................................................................................................................................. (131,766) ............................ (116,715) (¥15,051) (∂116,715)Minority business resource center program ............................................................................................................... 894 900 900 ∂6 ............................

(Limitation on guaranteed loans) ..................................................................................................................... (18,367) (18,367) (18,367) ............................ ............................

Minority business outreach ........................................................................................................................................ 2,981 3,000 3,000 ∂19 ............................New headquarters building ........................................................................................................................................ ............................ 45,000 ............................ ............................ ¥45,000Payments to air carriers (Airport & Airway Trust Fund) ........................................................................................... 51,761 ............................ 52,000 ∂239 ∂52,000
180

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

Total, Office of the Secretary ....................................................................................................................... 172,717 177,236 171,581 ¥1,136 ¥5,655

Federal Aviation Administration

Operations .................................................................................................................................................................. 7,023,070 7,590,648 7,535,648 ∂512,578 ¥55,000Facilities & equipment (Airport & Airway Trust Fund) .............................................................................................. 2,961,645 2,916,000 2,916,000 ¥45,645 ............................

Rescission (Airport and Airway Trust Fund) ..................................................................................................... ¥20,000 ............................ ............................ ∂20,000 ............................

Subtotal, F&E ................................................................................................................................................ 2,941,645 2,916,000 2,916,000 ¥25,645 ............................

Research, engineering, and development (Airport and Airway Trust Fund) ............................................................. 147,485 100,000 118,939 ¥28,546 ∂18,939Grants-in-aid for airports (Airport and Airway TrustFund):

(Liquidation of contract authorization) ............................................................................................................. (3,100,000) (3,400,000) (3,400,000) (∂300,000) ............................(Limitation on obligations) ................................................................................................................................ (3,377,900) (3,400,000) (3,400,000) (∂22,100) ............................

(Small community air service pilot program) .......................................................................................... (20,000) ............................ ............................ (¥20,000) ............................

Subtotal, Grants-in-aid ........................................................................................................................ (3,377,900) (3,400,000) (3,400,000) (∂22,100) ............................

Aviation insurance revolving fund ............................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

Total, Federal Aviation Administration ......................................................................................................... 10,132,200 10,606,648 10,570,587 ∂438,387 ¥36,061

(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (3,377,900) (3,400,000) (3,400,000) (∂22,100) ............................Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... ¥20,000 ............................ ............................ ∂20,000 ............................

Subtotal ........................................................................................................................................... (13,490,100) (14,006,648) (13,970,587) (∂480,487) (¥36,061)

Federal Highway Administration

Limitation on administrative expenses ...................................................................................................................... (314,071) (338,834) (337,834) (∂23,763) (¥1,000)

(Border enforcement program) .......................................................................................................................... (106,897) ............................ ............................ (¥106,897) ............................

Federal-aid highways (Highway Trust Fund): (Limitation on obligations) ................................................................ (31,593,300) (29,293,948) (33,843,000) (∂2,249,700) (∂4,549,052)

Subtotal (limitations on obligations) (HTF) .................................................................................................. (31,593,300) (29,293,948) (33,843,000) (∂2,249,700) (∂4,549,052)
181

(Exempt obligations) .................................................................................................................................................. (884,329) (931,297) (931,297) (∂46,968) ............................(Liquidation of contract authorization) ...................................................................................................................... (32,000,000) (30,000,000) (34,000,000) (∂2,000,000) (∂4,000,000)Miscellaneous appropriations (rescission) ................................................................................................................. ¥5,609 ............................ ............................ ∂5,609 ............................Miscellaneous rescission of contract authority ......................................................................................................... ¥250,000 ............................ ¥156,000 ∂94,000 ¥156,000Appalachian development highway system ............................................................................................................... 186,778 ............................ 150,000 ¥36,778 ∂150,000

Total, Federal Highway Administration ......................................................................................................... 186,778 ............................ 150,000 ¥36,778 ∂150,000

(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (31,593,300) (29,293,948) (33,843,000) (∂2,249,700) (∂4,549,052)(Exempt obligations) ............................................................................................................................ (884,329) (931,297) (931,297) (∂46,968) ............................Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... ¥5,609 ............................ ............................ ∂5,609 ............................Rescissions of contract authority ........................................................................................................ ¥250,000 ............................ ¥156,000 ∂94,000 ¥156,000

Net total, FHWA ............................................................................................................................... (32,408,798) (30,225,245) (34,768,297) (∂2,359,499) (∂4,543,052)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Motor carrier safety (limitation on administrative expenses) (limitation on obligations) ........................................ (116,700) (224,406) (245,972) (∂129,272) (∂21,566)National motor carrier safety program (Highway Trust Fund):

(Liquidation of contract authorization) ............................................................................................................. (190,000) (222,594) (190,000) ............................ (¥32,594)(Limitation on obligations) ................................................................................................................................ (188,765) (222,594) (190,000) (∂1,235) (¥32,594)Border inspection station construction (Highway Trust fund) ......................................................................... ............................ ............................ (47,000) (∂47,000) (∂47,000)

Total, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin ................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (305,465) (447,000) (435,972) (∂130,507) (¥11,028)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Operations and research ............................................................................................................................................ 137,389 126,058 ............................ ¥137,389 ¥126,058Operations and research (HTF) .................................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ (148,102) (∂148,102) (∂148,102)Operations and research (Highway trust fund):

(Liquidation of contract authorization) ............................................................................................................. (72,000) (88,452) (72,000) ............................ (¥16,452)(Limitation on obligations) ................................................................................................................................ (71,532) (88,452) (72,000) (∂468) (¥16,452)

National Driver Register (Highway trust fund) .......................................................................................................... 1,987 3,600 3,600 ∂1,613 ............................

Subtotal, Operations and research ............................................................................................................... (210,908) (218,110) (223,702) (∂12,794) (∂5,592)

Highway traffic safety grants (Highway Trust Fund):

(Liquidation of contract authorization) ............................................................................................................. (225,000) (447,000) (225,000) ............................ (¥222,000)(Limitation on obligations):.

Highway safety programs (Sec. 402) ....................................................................................................... (163,928) (387,000) (165,000) (∂1,072) (¥222,000)Occupant protection incentive grants (Sec. 405) .................................................................................... (19,870) ............................ (20,000) (∂130) (∂20,000)Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures grants (Sec. 410) ................................................................ (39,740) ............................ (40,000) (∂260) (∂40,000)

Emergency medical services grants (Sec. 407) ............................................................................................... ............................ (10,000) ............................ ............................ (¥10,000)
182

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

State traffic safety info system improvement grants (Sec. 412) .................................................................... ............................ (50,000) ............................ ............................ (¥50,000)

Subtotal, limitation on obligations ............................................................................................................... (223,538) (447,000) (225,000) (∂1,462) (¥222,000)Total, National Highway Traffic Safety Admin ............................................................................................. 139,376 129,658 3,600 ¥135,776 ¥126,058

(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (295,070) (535,452) (297,000) (∂1,930) (¥238,452)

Total budgetary resources ............................................................................................................... (434,446) (665,110) (300,600) (¥133,846) (¥364,510)

Federal Railroad Administration

Safety and operations ................................................................................................................................................ 116,600 131,175 130,825 ∂14,225 ¥350Railroad research and development .......................................................................................................................... 29,134 35,025 34,225 ∂5,091 ¥800Amtrack RRIF repayment deferment .......................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ 3,000 ∂3,000 ∂3,000Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment project (advance appropriation ..................................................................... 19,870 ............................ ............................ ¥19,870 ............................Next generation high-speed rail ................................................................................................................................ 30,252 23,200 29,350 ¥902 ∂6,150Alaska Railroad rehabilitation ................................................................................................................................... 21,857 ............................ 25,000 ∂3,143 ∂25,000Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation ........................................................................................... 1,043,175 900,000 1,346,000 ∂302,825 ∂446,000

Total, Federal Railroad Administration ......................................................................................................... 1,260,888 1,089,400 1,568,400 ∂307,512 ∂479,000

Federal Transit Administration

Administrative expenses ............................................................................................................................................. 14,505 76,500 14,600 ∂95 ¥61,900Administrative expenses (Highway Trust Fund, MassTransit Account) (limitation on obligations) ......................... (58,020) ............................ (58,400) (∂380) (∂58,400)

Subtotal, Administrative expenses ............................................................................................................... (72,525) (76,500) (73,000) (∂475) (¥3,500)

Formula grants ........................................................................................................................................................... 762,809 ............................ 767,800 ∂4,991 ∂767,800Formula grants (Highway Trust Fund) (limitation on obligations) ........................................................................... (3,051,237) (5,615,406) (3,071,240) (∂20,003) (¥2,544,166)

Subtotal, Formula grants .............................................................................................................................. (3,814,046) (5,615,406) (3,839,040) (∂24,994) (¥1,776,366)

University transportation research ............................................................................................................................. 1,192 ............................ 1,200 ∂8 ∂1,200
183

University transportation research (Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Acct) (limitation on obligations) .............. (4,769) ............................ (4,800) (∂31) (∂4,800)

Subtotal, University transportation research ................................................................................................ (5,961) ............................ (6,000) (∂39) (∂6,000)

Transit planning and research .................................................................................................................................. 24,043 ............................ 24,400 ∂357 ∂24,400Transit planning and research (Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account) (limitation on obligations) .............. (97,164) ............................ (97,600) (∂436) (∂97,600)

Flexible funding ................................................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

Subtotal, Transit planning and research ..................................................................................................... (121,207) ............................ (122,000) (∂793) (∂122,000)

Rural transportation assistance ................................................................................................................................ (5,216) ............................ (5,250) (∂34) (∂5,250)National transit institute ........................................................................................................................................... (3,974) ............................ (4,000) (∂26) (∂4,000)Transit cooperative research ...................................................................................................................................... (8,196) ............................ (8,250) (∂54) (∂8,250)Metropolitan planning ................................................................................................................................................ (59,993) ............................ (60,386) (∂393) (∂60,386)State planning ............................................................................................................................................................ (12,532) ............................ (12,614) (∂82) (∂12,614)National planning and research ................................................................................................................................ (31,295) ............................ (31,500) (∂205) (∂31,500)

Subtotal, Transit planning and research ..................................................................................................... (121,206) ............................ (122,000) (∂794) (∂122,000)

Trust fund share of expenses (Highway Trust Fund) (liquidation of contract authorization) .................................. (5,781,000) (320,594) (5,844,000) (∂63,000) (∂5,523,406)Capital investment grants ......................................................................................................................................... 603,253 1,213,500 628,000 ∂24,747 ¥585,500Capital investment grants (Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account) (limitation on obligations) .................... (2,413,013) (320,594) (2,512,000) (∂98,987) (∂2,191,406)

Flexible funding ................................................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

Subtotal, Capital investment grants ............................................................................................................ (3,016,266) (1,534,094) (3,140,000) (∂123,734) (∂1,605,906)

Fixed guideway modernization ................................................................................................................................... (1,214,400) ............................ (1,214,000) (¥400) (∂1,214,000)Buses and bus-related facilities ............................................................................................................................... (607,200) ............................ (607,200) ............................ (∂607,200)New starts .................................................................................................................................................................. (1,214,400) ............................ (1,318,800) (∂104,400) (∂1,318,800)

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... (3,036,000) ............................ (3,140,000) (∂104,000) (∂3,140,000)

Job access and reverse commute grants .................................................................................................................. 29,805 ............................ 25,000 ¥4,805 ∂25,000

(Highway Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account) (limitation on obligations) ....................................................... (119,220) ............................ (100,000) (¥19,220) (∂100,000)

Subtotal, Job access and reverse commute grants ..................................................................................... (149,025) ............................ (125,000) (¥24,025) (∂125,000)Total, Federal Transit Administration ........................................................................................................... 1,435,607 1,290,000 1,461,000 ∂25,393 ∂171,000

(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (5,743,423) (5,936,000) (5,844,040) (∂100,617) (¥91,960)

Total budgetary resources, FTA ....................................................................................................... (7,179,030) (7,226,000) (7,305,040) (∂126,010) (∂79,040)
184

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Operations and maintenance (Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund) .............................................................................. 13,994 14,400 14,400 ∂406 ............................

Maritime Administration

Maritime security program ......................................................................................................................................... 98,058 98,700 98,700 ∂642 ............................Operations and training ............................................................................................................................................. 92,093 104,400 106,000 ∂13,907 ∂1,600Ship disposal .............................................................................................................................................................. 11,088 11,422 18,422 ∂7,334 ∂7,000Vessel operations revolving fund ............................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account:

Administrative expenses .................................................................................................................................... 4,099 4,498 4,498 ∂399 ............................Supplemental appropriations (Public Law 108–11) ......................................................................................... 25,000 ............................ ............................ ¥25,000 ............................

Total, Maritime Administration ..................................................................................................................... 230,338 219,020 227,620 ¥2,718 ∂8,600

Research and Special Programs Administration

Research and special programs ................................................................................................................................ 40,714 51,000 42,516 ∂1,802 ¥8,484Pipeline safety:

Pipeline Safety Fund ......................................................................................................................................... 56,370 48,336 50,429 ¥5,941 ∂2,093Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund ............................................................................................................................. 7,423 18,741 17,183 ∂9,760 ¥1,558

Subtotal, Pipeline safety program (incl reserve) ......................................................................................... 63,793 67,077 67,612 ∂3,819 ∂535

Emergency preparedness grants:

Emergency preparedness fund .......................................................................................................................... 199 200 200 ∂1 ............................Limitation on emergency preparedness fund ................................................................................................... (14,300) (14,300) (14,300) ............................ ............................

Total, Research and Special Programs Admin ............................................................................................. 104,706 118,277 110,328 ∂5,622 ¥7,949
185

Office of Inspector General

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 54,912 55,000 56,000 ∂1,088 ∂1,000

Surface Transportation Board

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 19,320 19,521 19,521 ∂201 ............................

Offsetting collections ........................................................................................................................................ ¥1,000 ¥1,050 ¥1,050 ¥50 ............................

Total, Surface Transportation Board ............................................................................................................ 18,320 18,471 18,471 ∂151 ............................

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Office of airline information (Airport & Airway Trust Fund) ..................................................................................... ............................ 3,971 ............................ ............................ ¥3,971

Net total, title I, Department of Transportation ........................................................................................... 13,474,227 13,722,081 14,195,987 ∂721,760 ∂473,906

Appropriations ...................................................................................................................................... (13,749,836) (13,722,081) (14,351,987) (∂602,151) (∂629,906)Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... (¥25,609) ............................ ............................ (∂25,609) ............................Rescission of contract authority .......................................................................................................... (¥250,000) ............................ (¥156,000) (∂94,000) (¥156,000)(By transfer) ......................................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................(Transfer authority) .............................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................(Limitations on obligations) ................................................................................................................ (41,315,158) (39,612,400) (43,820,012) (∂2,504,854) (∂4,207,612)(Exempt obligations) ............................................................................................................................ (884,329) (931,297) (931,297) (∂46,968) ............................

Net total budgetary resources ......................................................................................................... (55,673,714) (54,265,778) (58,947,296) (∂3,273,582) (∂4,681,518)

Transportation discretionary total .............................................................................................................................. 13,474,227 13,722,081 14,195,987 ∂721,760 ∂473,906

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Departmental Offices ................................................................................................................................................. 157,669 166,875 174,809 ∂17,140 ∂7,934Department-wide systems and capital investments programs ................................................................................. 36,653 36,928 36,928 ∂275 ............................Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................................ 11,092 ............................ 12,687 ∂1,595 ∂12,687Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration ................................................................................................... 124,198 ............................ 128,034 ∂3,836 ∂128,034Treasury Inspector General ......................................................................................................................................... ............................ 134,949 ............................ ............................ ¥134,949Air Transportation Stabilization Program Account ..................................................................................................... 6,002 2,538 2,538 ¥3,464 ............................Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration .............................................................................................. 28,744 25,000 25,000 ¥3,744 ............................Expanded Access to Financial Services ..................................................................................................................... 1,987 ............................ ............................ ¥1,987 ............................Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ..................................................................................................................... 51,416 57,571 57,571 ∂6,155 ............................Interagency Law Enforcement: Interagency crime and drug enforcement ................................................................ 106,877 ............................ ............................ ¥106,877 ............................Financial Management Service .................................................................................................................................. 220,634 228,606 228,558 ∂7,924 ¥48Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ............................................................................................................. 79,480 80,000 80,000 ∂520 ............................Bureau of the Public Debt ......................................................................................................................................... 188,833 173,698 173,652 ¥15,181 ¥46Payment of government losses in shipment ............................................................................................................. 1,000 500 500 ¥500 ............................
186

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

Internal Revenue Service:

Processing, Assistance, and Management ....................................................................................................... 3,930,064 4,074,694 4,048,238 ∂118,174 ¥26,456Tax Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................................................ 3,849,884 3,976,641 4,172,808 ∂322,924 ∂196,167Earned Income Tax Credit Compliance Initiative ............................................................................................. 145,051 251,167 ............................ ¥145,051 ¥251,167Information Systems .......................................................................................................................................... 1,621,833 1,670,039 1,590,962 ¥30,871 ¥79,077Business systems modernization ...................................................................................................................... 363,621 429,000 429,000 ∂65,379 ............................Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration ..................................................................................................... 69,545 35,000 35,000 ¥34,545 ............................

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... 9,979,998 10,436,541 10,276,008 ∂296,010 ¥160,533Total, title II, Department of the Treasury ................................................................................................... 10,994,583 11,343,206 11,196,285 ∂201,702 ¥146,921

Appropriations ...................................................................................................................................... 10,994,583 11,343,206 11,196,285 ∂201,702 ¥146,921Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

TITLE III—EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

Compensation of the President and the White House Office:

Compensation of the President ......................................................................................................................... 450 ............................ 450 ............................ ∂450Salaries and Expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 50,385 ............................ 61,937 ∂11,552 ∂61,937

Homeland Security Council ........................................................................................................................................ 19,272 ............................ 8,331 ¥10,941 ∂8,331Executive Residence at the White House:

Operating Expenses ........................................................................................................................................... 12,149 ............................ 12,501 ∂352 ∂12,501White House Repair and Restoration ................................................................................................................ 1,192 ............................ 4,225 ∂3,033 ∂4,225

Special Assistance to the President and the Official Residence of the Vice President:

Salaries and Expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 4,040 4,461 4,461 ∂421 ............................Operating expenses ........................................................................................................................................... 322 331 331 ∂9 ............................

Council of Economic Advisers .................................................................................................................................... 3,739 ............................ 4,502 ∂763 ∂4,502Office of Policy Development ..................................................................................................................................... 3,230 ............................ 4,109 ∂879 ∂4,109National Security Council ........................................................................................................................................... 7,770 ............................ 10,551 ∂2,781 ∂10,551Office of Administration ............................................................................................................................................. 90,910 ............................ 77,164 ¥13,746 ∂77,164The White House ......................................................................................................................................................... ............................ 183,770 ............................ ............................ ¥183,770
187

Office of Management and Budget ........................................................................................................................... 61,988 77,417 75,417 ∂13,429 ¥2,000Office of National Drug Control Policy:

Salaries and expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 26,284 27,290 27,997 ∂1,713 ∂707Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center .................................................................................................... 47,688 40,000 42,000 ¥5,688 ∂2,000

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... 73,972 67,290 69,997 ¥3,975 ∂2,707

Federal Drug Control Programs:

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program ................................................................................................ 224,879 206,350 226,350 ∂1,471 ∂20,000Other Federal Drug Control Programs ............................................................................................................... 221,749 250,000 174,000 ¥47,749 ¥76,000

Unanticipated Needs .................................................................................................................................................. 993 1,000 1,000 ∂7 ............................

Total, title III, Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President ...................... 777,040 790,619 735,326 ¥41,714 ¥55,293

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board: Salaries and expenses ............................................ 5,160 5,401 5,401 ∂241 ............................National Transportation Safety Board:

Salaries and expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 71,979 71,480 72,170 ∂191 ∂690Emergency fund ................................................................................................................................................. ............................ 600 600 ∂600 ............................

Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled ............................................................. 4,628 4,629 4,725 ∂97 ∂96Federal Election Commission ..................................................................................................................................... 49,542 50,440 50,440 ∂898 ............................Election Assistance Commission:

Salaries and expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 2,000 10,000 1,000 ¥1,000 ¥9,000Election reform programs .................................................................................................................................. 833,000 490,000 499,000 ¥334,000 ∂9,000

Federal Labor Relations Authority .............................................................................................................................. 28,762 29,611 29,611 ∂849 ............................Federal Maritime Commission .................................................................................................................................... 16,591 18,471 18,471 ∂1,880 ............................General Services Administration:

Federal Buildings Fund:

Appropriations .......................................................................................................................................... 373,269 217,000 407,000 ∂33,731 ∂190,000Limitations on availability of revenue:

Construction and acquisition of facilities ...................................................................................... (717,488) (400,568) (659,668) (¥57,820) (∂259,100)Repairs and alterations .................................................................................................................. (951,529) (1,012,729) (1,000,939) (∂49,410) (¥11,790)Installment acquisition payments ................................................................................................... (178,960) (169,745) (169,745) (¥9,215) ............................Rental of space ............................................................................................................................... (3,113,211) (3,388,187) (3,278,187) (∂164,976) (¥110,000)Building Operations ......................................................................................................................... (1,526,459) (1,608,708) (1,608,708) (∂82,249) ............................

Subtotal, limitations ................................................................................................................... (6,487,647) (6,579,937) (6,717,247) (∂229,600) (∂137,310)

Repayment of Debt .......................................................................................................................... (79,685) (54,256) (54,256) (¥25,429) ............................
188

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

Rental income to fund .................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

Total, Federal Buildings Fund .................................................................................................... 373,269 217,000 407,000 ∂33,731 ∂190,000

(Limitations) ....................................................................................................................... (6,567,332) (6,634,193) (6,771,503) (∂204,171) (∂137,310)

Policy and Citizen Services ............................................................................................................................... 65,873 ............................ ............................ ¥65,873 ............................Governmentwide policy ...................................................................................................................................... ............................ 74,031 61,781 ∂61,781 ¥12,250Operating Expenses ........................................................................................................................................... 72,027 85,083 85,083 ∂13,056 ............................Office of Inspector General ............................................................................................................................... 37,670 39,169 39,169 ∂1,499 ............................Electronic Government (E-Gov) Fund ................................................................................................................ 4,968 45,000 5,000 ∂32 ¥40,000Allowances and Office Staff for Former Presidents ......................................................................................... 3,317 3,393 3,393 ∂76 ............................Election Reform Reimbursements ..................................................................................................................... 14,902 ............................ ............................ ¥14,902 ............................Election Reform Payments ................................................................................................................................ 650,000 ............................ ............................ ¥650,000 ............................

Federal building project (sec. 408) ........................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ 13,669 ∂13,669 ∂13,669

Total, General Services Administration ........................................................................................................ 1,222,026 463,676 615,095 ¥606,931 ∂151,419

Merit Systems Protection Board:

Salaries and Expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 31,819 35,503 35,503 ∂3,684 ............................Limitation on administrative expenses ............................................................................................................. 2,609 ............................ ............................ ¥2,609 ............................

Morris K. Udall Foundation:

Morris K. Udall Trust Fund ................................................................................................................................ 1,983 372 1,996 ∂13 ∂1,624Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund ........................................................................................................... 1,300 700 1,309 ∂9 ∂609

National Archives and Records Administration:

Operating expenses ........................................................................................................................................... 248,251 294,105 258,191 ∂9,940 ¥35,914Reduction of debt .............................................................................................................................................. ¥7,186 ¥7,810 ¥7,810 ¥624 ............................Repairs and Restoration ................................................................................................................................... 14,116 6,458 13,483 ¥633 ∂7,025National Historical Publications and Records Commission: Grants program .................................................. 6,458 5,000 5,000 ¥1,458 ............................
189

Total, National Archives and Records Admin ............................................................................................... 261,639 297,753 268,864 ∂7,225 ¥28,889

Office of Government Ethics ...................................................................................................................................... 10,488 10,738 10,738 ∂250Office of Personnel Management:

Salaries and Expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 128,644 118,748 118,748 ¥9,896 ............................

Limitation on administrative expenses .................................................................................................... 120,006 135,914 135,914 ∂15,908 ............................

Office of Inspector General ............................................................................................................................... 1,509 1,498 1,498 ¥11 ............................

Limitation on administrative expenses .................................................................................................... 10,815 14,427 14,427 ∂3,612 ............................

Government Payment for Annuitants, Employees Health Benefits ................................................................... 6,853,000 7,219,000 7,219,000 ∂366,000 ............................Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance ....................................................................... 34,000 35,000 35,000 ∂1,000 ............................Payment to Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund ............................................................................... 9,410,000 9,987,000 9,987,000 ∂577,000 ............................Human Capital Performance Fund .................................................................................................................... ............................ 500,000 ............................ ............................ ¥500,000

Total, Office of Personnel Management ....................................................................................................... 16,557,974 18,011,587 17,511,587 ∂953,613 ¥500,000

Office of Special Counsel ........................................................................................................................................... 12,368 13,504 13,504 ∂1,136 ............................Postal Service:

Payment to the Postal Service Fund ................................................................................................................. 28,811 29,000 29,000 ∂189 ............................

Advance appropriation, fiscal years 2002/2003 ................................................................................. 47,309 31,014 31,014 ¥16,295 ............................Advance appropriation, fiscal year 2004 ............................................................................................ 30,812 36,521 36,521 ∂5,709 ............................

Total, Postal Service:.

Fiscal year 2002/2003 ........................................................................................................... 76,120 60,014 60,014 ¥16,106 ............................Fiscal year 2004 ..................................................................................................................... 30,812 36,521 36,521 ∂5,709 ............................

United States Tax Court ............................................................................................................................................. 37,063 40,187 40,187 ∂3,124 ............................White House Commission on the National Momentof Rememberance ...................................................................... 248 250 250 ∂2 ............................

Total, title IV, Independent Agencies ........................................................................................................... 19,258,111 19,651,437 19,276,986 ∂18,875 ¥374,451

Title V—General Provisions, This Act

Surface transportation projects (Sec. 330) ............................................................................................................... 90,011 ............................ ............................ ¥90,011 ............................Excess stabilization resources (rescission) (Sec. 333) .............................................................................................. ¥90,000 ............................ ............................ ∂90,000 ............................LRFA program (rescission) (Sec. 343) ....................................................................................................................... ¥690 ............................ ............................ ∂690 ............................Iowa rail infrastructure rehab project (Sec. 343) ..................................................................................................... 686 ............................ ............................ ¥686 ............................Misc. highway projects (Highway Trust Fund) (Sec. 344) ......................................................................................... 283,147 ............................ ............................ ¥283,147 ............................Value pricing pilot project (rescission) (Highway Trust Fund) (Sec. 364) ................................................................ ¥8,000 ............................ ............................ ∂8,000 ............................Aviation ops sustainment-Midway Island (Sec. 371) ................................................................................................ 3,477 ............................ ............................ ¥3,477 ............................
190

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Item 2003 appropriation Budget estimate Committee rec- ommendation

Senate Committee recommendation compared with (∂ or ¥)

2003 appropriation Budget estimate

Administrative accounts adjustments ....................................................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ¥128,076 ¥128,076 ¥128,076

Total, title V, General provision .................................................................................................................... 278,631 ............................ ¥128,076 ¥406,707 ¥128,076Grand total .................................................................................................................................................... 44,782,592 45,507,343 45,276,508 ∂493,916 ¥230,835

Appropriations ...................................................................................................................................... (45,078,770) (45,439,808) (45,364,973) (∂286,203) (¥74,835)Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... (¥124,299) ............................ ............................ (∂124,299) ............................Rescission of contract authority .......................................................................................................... (¥250,000) ............................ (¥156,000) (∂94,000) (¥156,000)(Limitation on obligations) .................................................................................................................. (41,315,158) (39,612,400) (43,820,012) (∂2,504,854) (∂4,207,612)(Rescissions of limitations on obligations) ......................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................(Exempt obligations) ............................................................................................................................ (884,329) (931,297) (931,297) (∂46,968) ............................

Net total budgetary resources ......................................................................................................... (86,982,079) (86,051,040) (90,027,817) (∂3,045,738) (∂3,976,777)

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